Michael Cantillon
Sports activities Journalist
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (two), Matthieu Jalibert, Charles Ollivon and Theo Attissogbe rating tries as France safe comfy victory over Eire on the Six Nations’ opening night time; Andy Farrell’s guests show abject in opening 50 minutes to fall 29-0 behind earlier than narrowing the rating
Final Up to date: 05/02/26 10:40pm
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (proper) scored twice as Antoine Dupont (left) made his Take a look at return in victory over Eire in Paris
France bought their Six Nations title defence off to the best begin as they put a sorry Eire to the sword with a 36-14 victory on the Stade de France in Paris.
Les Bleus scored 4 tries by means of wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey (two), fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and lock Charles Ollivon to dash into a surprising 29-0 lead – full-back Thomas Ramos including three conversions and a penalty. Wing Theo Attissogbe added a fifth within the ultimate play of the match.
Eire responded with tries from replacements Nick Timoney and Michael Milne – both facet of Antoine Dupont luckily avoiding a sin-binning for a deliberate knock-on – however Andy Farrell’s costs failed so as to add something extra, paying for an abject opening 50 minutes.
France – Tries: Bielle-Biarrey (13,47), Jalibert (22), Ollivon (34), Attissogbe (80+1). Cons: Ramos (14, 35, 48, 80+1). Pens: Ramos (28).
Eire – Tries: Timoney (59), Milne (62). Cons: S Prendergast (59, 62).
Sam Prendergast and Eire struggled badly in Paris on the entire
France have been practically over for a attempt as early because the second minute when Bielle-Biarrey confirmed nice ability down the left to create area and kick forward, however Ollivon knocked on when sliding on the greasy floor with a attempt seemingly at his mercy.
A surprising Jamie Osborne 50:22 put Eire onto the assault in response, however their early transfer ended when Sam Prendergast tried an ill-advised offload off the deck, which was knocked on by flanker Josh van der Flier.
A neat Prendergast kick-pass to wing Tommy O’Brien created Eire’s subsequent promising opening, however the ball didn’t land kindly when kicked forward.
On 13 minutes, France’s opener arrived as Bielle-Biarrey struck ruthlessly, skipping by means of the tackles of Jamison Gibson-Park and Prendergast to complete down the left.
Bielle-Biarrey’s tempo and ability noticed him race him for the opening attempt of the Take a look at
Ramos transformed for the total haul, and 9 minutes later France had their second as after waves of assault – and a missed neck-roll on Cian Prendergast on the breakdown – Sam Prendergast intercepted a Nicolas Depoortere cross to cease a sure attempt, however then carried again over his personal try-line for a France five-metre attacking scrum.
When the scrum wheeled proper, Jalibert dived over with fly-half Prendergast unable to have an effect defensively.
Matthieu Jalibert dived over for France’s second attempt
Stupidity from Eire lock Joe McCarthy in defence to provide away an affordable penalty noticed Ramos stretch issues to 15-0, and a 3rd French attempt adopted quickly after when lock Mickael Guillard fed companion Ollivon to attain, after good work from Jalibert and Jean-Baptiste Gros earlier within the assault.
When Ramos transformed the rating was a frightening 22-0 at half-time, and issues solely bought worse early into the second interval when Bielle-Biarrey scored his second after intelligent chips from Dupont and Ramos.
When Bielle-Biarrey scored his second and France’s fourth early within the second half, the lead was 29-0
The guests a minimum of ensured they’d not be nilled when alternative Timoney sped over off a beautiful Stuart McCloskey offload for a attempt within the 59th minute.
Dupont was extraordinarily lucky to keep away from a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on quickly after, with Eire hanging for his or her second attempt by means of prop Milne, lowering issues to 29-14.
Substitute back-row Nick Timoney scored considered one of two Eire tries as they responded considerably within the second half
Eire thought they might have a 3rd attempt inside the ultimate 10 minutes by means of hooker Ronan Kelleher, however the TMO dominated out the rating for a Caelan Doris knock-on when on the bottom, whereas additionally clearing a possible Peato Mauvaka no-arms deal with.
As an alternative, France would have the ultimate say as they accelerated into life down the proper previous the eightieth minute by means of Jalibert, with Attissogbe simply remaining within the area of play to attain.
Farrell questions Eire’s battle and depth – ‘this loss has to face for one thing’
Eire head coach Andy Farrell talking to ITV:
“There’s a lot going through our minds. Obviously we’re very disappointed – it’s something I never thought I’d say about this Irish team.
“The dearth of depth within the first half, the missed tackles, not successful the scraps on the ground or the contests within the air…you are not going to win a global sport with that strategy, not to mention in Paris.
Eire head coach Andy Farrell minimize a really disillusioned determine submit match
“Showing a bit of fight and character was what we needed. Fair play to the subs, they gave us some go‑forward. But reacting too late isn’t how we want to operate. They played well, they’re off to a great start, and we’re not.
“France have been excellent at occasions, with the athletes and energy they’ve. Their offloading potential in these situations is tough to stay with – it seemed like they have been enjoying a unique sport at phases.
“This result isn’t a good one for us, but it has to stand for something. We’re an honest group, and we’ll make sure we use this in the right way.”
Eire captain Caelan Doris talking to ITV:
“We left ourselves with too tall a mountain to climb. We were passive defensively – 19 missed tackles – which allowed their attacking game to flourish. We couldn’t find our feet in the first 30 minutes.
“The bench made an excellent impression and helped get us again into the sport, and there was a little bit of grit and dedication proven within the second half. However total, it was a really disappointing technique to begin the match.”
Edwards: Bielle-Biarrey a world-class superstar
France defence coach Shaun Edwards speaking to ITV:
“He [Bielle-Biarrey] is getting higher. Are you aware why? He desires to get higher.
“His attitude is fantastic, he’s got all the talent in the world. He’s a world-class superstar.
“We’re very glad. I assumed assault within the first half was incredible. We dominated possession and territory, which could be very uncommon in opposition to Eire.
“When we’re on attack, it’s a joy to watch.”
What’s subsequent?
Eire subsequent face Italy in Spherical 2 of the Six Nations on Saturday February 14 on the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (2.10pm kick-off).
France journey to face Wales on the Principality Stadium in Cardiff for his or her second Six Nations conflict on Sunday February 15 (3.10pm kick-off).
