Ireland Crush France 38-17 in Six Nations Opener with Bonus-Point Win

Ireland kicked off their Six Nations title defense in style with a commanding 38-17 bonus-point triumph over France in Marseille. Demonstrating their attacking prowess, the visitors notched up two skillfully executed tries in the first half, courtesy of Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Beirne. France’s woes compounded as they found themselves down to 14 men just after the half-hour mark when Paul Willemse received his marching orders for a second yellow card offense.

The numerical advantage spurred the home team into action, with Damian Penaud touching down to narrow the deficit to seven points at halftime. The second half saw Ireland extend their lead further as Calvin Nash darted over in the corner. However, France quickly responded through Paul Gabrillagues, seizing the opportunity created by Peter O’Mahony’s sin-binning for collapsing a rolling maul.

With Dan Sheehan notching Ireland’s fourth try just after the hour mark, securing the crucial bonus point, France fought valiantly to bridge the gap in the final quarter. Yet, Ireland’s resilience proved too much for the hosts, who were a man short. In the closing moments of the game, Ronan Kelleher powered over the line, adding a fifth try to Ireland’s tally and sealing a resounding victory.

Highlights

Line-ups:

France

T Ramos; D Penaud, G Fickou, J Danty, Y Moefana; M Jalibert, M Lucu; C Baille, P Mauvaka, U Atonio; P Gabrillagues, P Willemse; F Cros, C Ollivon, G Alldritt (capt).

Replacements: J Marchand, R Wardi, D Aldegheri, P Tuilagi, C Woki, P Boudehent, N Le Garrec, L Bielle-Biarrey.

Sin-bin: Willemse (9)

Sent off: Willemse (32)

Ireland

H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J McCarthy, T Beirne; P O’Mahony (capt), J van der Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, J Conan, C Murray, C Frawley.

Referee: Karl Dickson (England)

Man of the Mach: Joe McCarthy (Ireland)

Stats:

France (10) 17
Try: Penaud (40′), Gabrillagues (53′)
Conversion: Ramos (40’+2, 53′)
Penalty: Ramos (27′)
Red Card: Willemse (31′)

Ireland (17) 38
Try: Gibson-Park (16′), Beirne (30′), Nash (46′), Sheehan (62′), Kelleher (78′)
Conversion: Crowley (18′, 31′, 47′, 63′, 79′)
Penalty: Crowley (7′)

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