LES BLEUS BRUTALISE BOYS IN GREEN: FRANCE OPEN 2026 SIX NATIONS WITH FIVE-TRY BLITZ

FRANCE 36-14 IRELAND

France launched their 2026 Six Nations campaign in devastating fashion, dismantling Ireland 36-14 at a sold-out Stade de France. In a match that served as a massive statement of intent, Les Bleus combined clinical finishing with physical dominance to leave the visitors reeling and secure a vital bonus-point victory on the tournament’s opening night.

Les Bleus Seize Early Control

The highly anticipated clash began with an electric atmosphere, but it was France who settled quickest. While Ireland showed glimpses of danger early on through a Jamie Osborne 50:22, they failed to capitalize. France, by contrast, were ruthless. Wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey ignited the crowd in the 13th minute, showcasing his world-class pace to sprint down the left touchline and score the evening’s opening try.

Jalibert and Ollivon Power French First-Half Surge

With Antoine Dupont pulling the strings on his return to the XV, France intensified the pressure. After Sam Prendergast was forced to play out from his own goal line following an interception, France earned a five-meter scrum. From the set piece, Matthieu Jalibert exploited a gap on the blindside to dive over for France’s second.

The dominance continued as the French pack took charge. Lock Charles Ollivon capped a powerful team move after being fed by Mickaël Guillard, crashing over to ensure a daunting 22-0 lead for the hosts at the interval. Ireland, uncharacteristically error-prone, looked shells of their usual selves.

Bielle-Biarrey Double Extinguishes Irish Hopes

Any hopes of an Irish comeback were largely snuffed out shortly after the restart. A clever chip from Dupont was followed by a fortuitous bounce off a Thomas Ramos kick, falling perfectly into the arms of Bielle-Biarrey. The winger needed no second invitation, racing away for his second try of the match to extend the lead to 29-0.

Late Resistance Not Enough for Farrell’s Men

Ireland finally found some rhythm in the final quarter as the benches were cleared. Replacement Nick Timoney crossed under the posts after a sharp pass from Prendergast, and minutes later, Michael Milne forced his way over from close range. The quick-fire scores narrowed the gap to 29-14, providing a brief flicker of tension in Paris.

However, the French defense tightened, and any threat of a miraculous revival was ended when Théo Attissogbe finished acrobatically in the corner in the final minute. The conversion from Ramos sealed a comprehensive 22-point victory.

Redemption and Momentum for Galthié’s Squad

“It was the start we dreamed of,” said fly-half Matthieu Jalibert. “We wanted to put Ireland under pressure from the first whistle, and I think our physicality set the tone. There is still a long way to go, but this gives us great confidence.”

Coach Fabien Galthié was equally pleased: “The team showed great character, especially in the first 50 minutes. We saw the return of our identity—fast, aggressive, and clinical.” For Ireland and Andy Farrell, the result leaves many questions to be answered ahead of Round 2.

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Line-ups

FRANCE

15-Ramos; 14-Attissogbe, 13-Depoortere, 12-Moefana, 11-Bielle-Biarrey; 10-Jalibert, 9-Dupont (capt); 1-Gros, 2-Marchand, 3-Aldegheri, 4-Ollivon, 5-Guillard, 6-Cros, 7-Jégou, 8-Jelonch.

Replacements: 16-Mauvaka, 17-Neti, 18-Montagne, 19-Auradou, 20-Meafou, 21-Nouchi, 22-Serin, 23-Gourgues.

IRELAND

15-Osborne; 14-O’Brien, 13-Ringrose, 12-McCloskey, 11-Stockdale; 10-Prendergast, 9-Gibson-Park; 1-Loughman, 2-Sheehan, 3-Clarkson, 4-McCarthy, 5-Beirne, 6-C. Prendergast, 7-Van der Flier, 8-Doris (capt).

Replacements: 16-Kelleher, 17-Milne, 18-Bealham, 19-Ryan, 20-Conan, 21-Timoney, 22-Casey, 23-Crowley.

Stats

FRANCE (22) 36

Try: Bielle-Biarrey (13′, 47′), Jalibert (22′), Ollivon (34′), Attissogbe (80+1′)

Conversion: Ramos (14′, 35′, 48′, 80+1′)

Penalty: Ramos (28′)

IRELAND (0) 14

Try: Timoney (59′), Milne (62′)

Conversion: S. Prendergast (59′, 62′)

Penalty: N/A

Man of the match: Mickaël Guillard (France)

Referee: Karl Dickson (England)

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