Ireland 32 France 19 rugby LIVE RESULT: Andy Farrell’s men pick up HUGE Six Nations win over tough French side – latest
FRANCE coach Fabien Galthie had no complaints after seeing his team's 14-game unbeaten run ended emphatically by Ireland.
Les Bleus went down 32-19 in Dublin in a game where they struggled to get any sort of foothold.
France, the defending champions, had won their last three fixtures against the Irish but managed only a solitary Damien Penaud try.
Meanwhile the hosts, world ranked number one to France's two, scored four for a bonus-point victory.
France boss Galthie said; "We deserved the defeat, we were overwhelmed in important moments.
"We were close for a long time but could not bridge that gap and the Irish managed to keep us in our half.
"We have to admit that the best team won and this game will give us a lot to analyse and keep us ambitious. Today was a defeat and we'll have to analyse and learn from it.
"It's high-level sport. You have to be able to bounce back and get ready for Scotland in two weeks."
Scrum-half Antoine Dupont, who saved a certain try as he wrestled winger Mack Hansen backwards, added: "Physically and strategically, it was tough. Every little mistake gave our opponents chances to score. It was very intense throughout.
"It's very disappointing because they got a bonus point and we didn't. We played a big game but lacked precision and failed to score in our strong moments.
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"We'll have to recuperate and go on with this tournament. We're not giving up."
Lock Thibaud Flament said: "It was a tight game, we knew it would be hard, they're in good shape and world number one.
"We're frustrated but it was a great game. We put in a lot of heart and effort so there's nothing to be ashamed of. We just need to be a bit more precise in our half."
France's next match is at home to Scotland in two weeks but of greater interest might be a potential quarter-final rematch with the Irish at the Rugby World Cup later this year.
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The one that they want
This was the ultimate test for Ireland today.
While test rankings suggest they are the best the world of rugby has to offer, questions were always going to be asked if they kept on failing when they came up against Les Bleus.
Today's victory is Andy Farrell's first win against France, giving Christophe Galtier his first taste of defeat against Ireland as a player or coach.
Credit: Sportsfile FT: Ireland 32-19 France
That is a huge statement made by Ireland today.
Andy Farrell and his squad have quashed French hopes of another Grand Slam.
It also sends Ireland top of the Six Nations table with 10 points following that bonus-point win.
Credit: Sportsfile FT: Ireland 32-19 France
The referee blows his whistle.
Ireland have won their first game against France since 2019.
Andy Farrell's side have shown they are number one for good reason.
Ireland 32-19 France
80+1. As we head into added time, France utilise a penalty to try and get a try themselves.
Jalibert finds touch deep into Ireland territory.
This would be some victory for Ireland, with a bonus point to match.
Ireland 32-19 France
79. Ireland are on the front foot once again.
This will be a monumental win for Andy Farrell's side.
France seem like this is now damage limitation.
Credit: Reuters Ireland 32-19 France
77. Caelan Doris is awarded the player of the match award.
Very well deserved, he has been brilliant today.
He has made 108m during this game, phenomenal.
Ireland 32-19 France
75. France have not given up on this game just yet.
Time is running out, they still need two tries.
O'Toole does brilliantly to win the ball back and the referee awards the Irish a penalty.
Ireland 32-19 France
73. As Ireland work through the phases, Doris does brilliantly to release Ringrose out wide.
He skips passed a tackle and goes into the corner.
Byrne sends the kick sailing over the posts.
Try - Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Ireland 25-19 France
70. Some running repairs are carried out on a few players.
It is not surprising as both sides are leaving everything out on the pitch.
France have the lineout on their own twenty-two.
Credit: Reuters Ireland 25-19 France
68. Ireland come driving forward again.
France are still putting the big hits in on Farrell's side.
Meanwhile, the men in green work through the phases, finding touch with a great kick from Byrne.
Ireland 25-19 France
66. As Ireland continue to attack, their strength in defence is evident once again.
The penalty is awarded to France.
Jalibert finds touch on the halfway line.
Ireland 25-19 France
64. Ireland have a lineout in sight of the French line.
It is initially fumbled but the Irish manage to regather.
They miss the chance to capitalise as French win the drop out.
Ireland 25-19 France
62. That is the last we will see of Ramos today as he immediately replaced by Jalibert.
France were unable to get the try they craved but the drop-goal by Ramos was brilliant.
We are seeing everything that the game of rugby has to offer today.
Drop-goal: Thomas Ramos (France)
Ireland 25-16 France
60. Galtier has never lost as player of coach against Ireland.
That certainly will be put to the test today.
There is plenty of time to change that still.
Credit: Sportsfile Penalty - Ross Byrne (Ireland)
Ireland 22-16 France
57. Both sides ringing the changes with replacements, looking to freshen up their line-ups.
You can understand why with this game having been played at such a high tempo.
Keenan sends a wonderful kick right down into the corner, putting France under pressure once again.
Ireland 22-16 France
55. The margins between these sides is so minimal.
When you look at the stats, there really isn't anything between them.
It is France driving forward, putting Farrell's side under pressure.
Ireland 22-16 France
53. Macalou comes on for France.
Looking to get some fresh legs on to test the hosts.
Ireland will be hoping they can continue their tempo and play without the influential Johnny Sexton.
Credit: PA Ireland 22-16 France
51. France come forward as Dumortier runs down the wing, chipping over the Ireland player who seemingly blocks his run.
TMO has a look at it but noting doing, the player adjudged to have run into him.
Ireland clear their lines with a long kick.
Ireland 22-16 France
49. The commentator's curse as Sexton is forced off the field.
That is a big blow for Farrell and his side.
This will be a test of Ireland's metal without their talisman.
Ireland 22-16 France
47. Ramos misses his penalty kick, he seemed happy with it, but it just didn't have the legs.
Sexton has received treatment on his quad, they will be hoping he can last the game.
France are working through the phases towards the Ireland line, but a penalty is awarded to Ireland, which is met by a huge cheer from the home fans.
Ireland 22-16 France
45. France turn defence into attack in an instant with Dumortier.
He breaks through three or four tackles and just keeps on going.
Finally Ireland manage to take him to ground, for one moment it seemed he would go all the way.
Henderson comes on for the injured Beirne.
Credit: Sportsfile Ireland 22-16 France
43. France have some injury worries with Dupont feeling his wrist and receiving some treatment.
Ireland win their own lineout and come streaming forward.
France look to keep them out with a rigid defence but Lowe breaks through on the left.