France beat defending champions Ireland 42-27 in Dublin on Saturday, becoming the favourites to take home the Six Nations title.
Although France CaptainAntoine Dupontsustained a knee injury after half an hour,Les Bleusoverturned a 13-8 deficit with brutal force.
Frances flying winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored two tries while Paul Boudehent, Oscar Jegou and Damian Penaud, who equalled Serge Blancos French record of 38 international tries, added one each. Thomas Ramos kicked the rest of the points for a resounding victory that ended the hosts Grand Slam hopes.
Ill-disciplined Ireland, who lost James Lowe to a warm-up injury and picked up two yellow cards, scored three tries through Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy and Jack Conan, the rest of their points coming from the boot of Sam Prendergast.
The French nowtop the tableby two points heading into their final match at home to Scotland next Saturday.
(FRANCE 24 with Reuters, AFP)
Originally published on France24
