France took charge of the Six Nations title race in sensational style as they produced an outstanding performance to dash Ireland’s grand slam dreams with a 42-27 thrashing.

The hosts’ hopes of an historic championship three-peat were left in tatters by a damaging defeat in Dublin, with Les Bleus surging clear in the second half despite losing star scrum half, and captain, Antoine Dupont to injury. The rapid Louis Bielle-Biarrey starred with a couple of scores while the impact of a bench full of behemoths proved decisive for Fabien Galthie’s side as they turned the screw in a remarkable victory.

It leaves the equation simple for the French entering the final weekend. Beat Scotland with a bonus point in Paris in the final fixture of Super Saturday and the title will be theirs. Ireland, hoping to become the first team to win three successive tournament crowns, know their fate is now out of their hands, with England also potentially in the title mix if they beat Italy on Sunday.

Re-live all of the action from a remarkable result in Dublin in our live blog below:

Ireland vs France LIVE

• France thrash Ireland 42-27 to take charge of Six Nations title race

• KICK OFF!

• TRY! Louis Bielle-Biarrey scores the opener after frantic start (Ireland 0-5 France, 20 minutes)

• 30' Antoine Dupont forced off injured in huge blow for France

• HALF TIME: Ireland 6-8 France

• TRY! Dan Sheehan puts hosts in front (Ireland 13-8 France, 43 minutes)

• TRY! Controversial Paul Boudehent score given as Calvin Nash shown yellow (Ireland 13-15 France, 46 minutes)

• TRY! Bielle-Biarrey scorches in for second (Ireland 13-22 France, 50 minutes)

• FULL TIME: Ireland 27-42 France

France dismantle Ireland as Six Nations title race takes dramatic twist

16:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France overcame the injury loss of Antoine Dupont to blow open the Six Nations title race by extinguishing Ireland’s grand slam dream with a crushing 42-27 win in Dublin.

Les Bleus captain Dupont - arguably the world's best player - limped from the field in the 29th minute of an engrossing showdown at a sold-out Aviva Stadium.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey's early try helped the French into an 8-6 half-time lead before Dan Sheehan's score shifted the momentum in Ireland's favour just after the restart.

But the hosts were blitzed during a breathtaking second half as Fabien Galthie's side ruthlessly wrestled top spot in the championship table going into next week's final round.

Bielle-Biarrey, the tournament's top try scorer, took his tally to seven with a sensational finish before Paul Boudehent, Oscar Jegou and the diving Damian Penaud completed the demolition job, adding to 17 points from full-back Thomas Ramos.

France dismantle Ireland as Six Nations title race takes dramatic twist

Brian O'Driscoll speaking to ITV: 'France showcased a defensive masterpiece'

16:45

“I have to say France had a defensive masterclass as well. Not only their ability to be able to read off but they're actually firing to the tackle.

“Shaun Edwards, the defensive coach, will be thrilled with that output.”

Louis Bielle-Biarrey speaking post-match: 'Lucu is a strong player'

16:35

France wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey, speaking to ITV: "The secret was to play the whole 80 minutes with all of the intensity that we have.

“We know they have a very good and fit team. I think we did a good job."

"Losing Antoine was not in the strategy of the game. Max Lucu is a very good player and we didn't worry.

"I got good ball to play. It's my job to finish the tries and I tried to do my best.”

Ireland's captain Caelan Doris: 'The second-half was our downfall'

16:25 , Ciara Fearn

"I think that middle section of the second half we didn't control well enough.

"There was some ill discipline and back-to-back penalties. They played their power game.

"They got a bit of momentum and when we get tight defensively, they can spread it wide and score which is what happened two or three times.

"We have got to go and make it right next week and that is the plan now."

FULL TIME: Ireland 27-42 France

16:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Full-time! Ireland 27-42 France

16:16

That puts France in a strong position to claim the Six Nations title next week against Scotland. They are two points ahead of Ireland at the top.

Ireland will be disappointed that they didn’t secure their Grand Slam hopes.

TRY! Ireland 27-42 France, 79 minutes

16:12 , Ciara Fearn

Hugo Keenan secures a strong 50/22.

Jack Conan secures the bonus point try on his 50th cap. Prendergast completes the conversion, but it’s all too late for Ireland here in Dublin.

TRY! Ireland 20-42 France, 77 minutes

16:09 , Ciara Fearn

Ireland respond as Cian Healy signs off with a try.

Ireland are awarded a penalty as Meafou plays half-back.

Healy drives over from close range and Prendergast adds the conversion.

TRY! Ireland 13-42 France, 74 minutes

16:06 , Ciara Fearn

Damian Penaud dives for glory!

Ireland take it quickly and the pass is stolen by Ramos and off-loaded to Penaud, who speeds away, straight down the pitch.

Flament is sent to the sin-bin.

Ireland 13-35 France, 70 minutes

16:03 , Ciara Fearn

A deliberate knock-on from Paul Boudehent.

It’s a penalty and Ireland win the throw. Conor Murray is brought over the line, but it’s help-up.

Can Ireland get something for the centurions?

Ireland 13-35 France, 69 minutes

15:58 , Ciara Fearn

Conor Murray and Cian Healy come on for their final home appearances for Ireland.

Rob Herring also comes onto the field.

Penalty! Ireland 13-35 France, 66 minutes

15:56 , Ciara Fearn

France are still in control. Thomas Clarkson gives away a penalty for not rolling away.

Ramos takes a successful conversion and extends their lead.

Ireland 13-32 France, 62 minutes

15:50 , Ciara Fearn

France have a scrum in the centre of the field, but Ireland manage to hold them up.

It’s Ireland's turn for the scrum.

Ireland have a lack of fire power to hold the French defence.

TRY! Ireland 13-32 France, 58 minutes

15:48 , Ciara Fearn

First international try for Oscar Jegou. Ireland are physically spent.

That’s a bonus-point try for the French. Ramos converts.

Ireland’s hopes of a Grand Slam seem slim now.

Ireland 13-25 France, 55 minutes

15:44 , Ciara Fearn

Ireland win the lineout, but France manage to steal. The ball is quickly passed out, and the forwards continue to drive it forward.

Penaud makes a run, followed by Ramos breaking through. France are awarded a penalty as they fail to gain an advantage.

They decide to go for the three points and Ramos secures the points again.

Jack Crowley has come on for Bundee Aki.

TRY! Ireland 13-20 France, 50 minutes

15:40 , Ciara Fearn

Pure pace from Bielle Barrey as he secures his second try for France. Ramos easily secures the conversion.

The winger kicked into gear and broke off, his pace un-matched.

France are lethal when the game opens up.

Ireland 13-15 France, 49 minutes

15:37 , Ciara Fearn

Ireland make a double substitution with Conan and Baird coming on.

Nash’s yellow card will stand, as there was some mitigating factors involved.

TRY! Ireland 13-15 France, 46 minutes

15:34 , Ciara Fearn

What a response from France, two out the back off-loads and they get a try.

Calvin Nash is in the sin-bin after a tackle on Pierre-Louis Barrass.

The try is under review and the referee sticks with his on-field decision and the try stays. Ramos secures the conversion.

How will Ireland look to respond now France don’t have any backs to bring on?

TRY! Ireland 13-8 France, 43 minutes

15:28 , Ciara Fearn

Ireland are back and returning to what we usually see.

They’re accurate as Dan Sheehan breaks off the back of the maul. Ireland secure the line-out, and the maul powers forward toward the try line. Sheehan breaks free from the back and gets the try.

Prendergast secures the conversion. What a cracking start to the second half!

Second half...

15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back underway...

HT: Ireland 6-8 France

15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Phew. Frantic, fast, furious, physical, and frankly frightening at times - it’s living up to the hype so far. France are narrowly ahead, but shorn of Antoine Dupont, and now without any back cover - can their seven forward replacements make up for any shortcoming that may leave?

Back in a bit for much, much more.

HALF TIME: Ireland 6-8 France

15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty! Ireland 6-8 France, 42 minutes

15:10 , Ciara Fearn

Prendergast gets the conversion!

A stunning kick to finish for half-time.

Ireland 3-8 France, 40 minutes

15:08 , Ciara Fearn

Prendergast and Bielle-Biarrey exchange kicks, but then Penaud finds himself without a fullback cover.

Penaud is forced into touch, Ireland now have a huge scrum just 10 meters out.

Prendergast kicks high. Penalty advantage to Ireland now as France are offside.

He kicks for conversion. Three points would definitely go well for them at this stage.

Penalty! Ireland 3-8 France, 36 minutes

15:04 , Ciara Fearn

France quickly respond! A great kick from the Toulouse full-back, Ramos.

France were handed an opportunity. Immediately from the kick-off, Ireland were penalised for obstruction, and Ramos took the points.

Penalty! Ireland 3-5 France, 33 minutes

15:02 , Ciara Fearn

Ireland shift the ball wide through Osborne, who links up with Nash.

McCarthy then storms forward, and Ireland are awarded a penalty after Beirne is tackled off the ball.

This could be a crucial moment. Prendergast lines up for the conversion - a good decision from Ireland to get the score board moving as we approach half-time!

Ireland 0-5 France, 31 minutes

14:59

McCarthy is back from the sin-bin.

Ireland now have the lineout, and Prendergast launches a high kick from it, which is knocked on by France, allowing the home side to attack once more.

Ireland 0-5 France, 27 minutes

14:53 , Ciara Fearn

France advance into the Ireland 22 again, but Dupont’s pass to the blindside is dropped, and Penaud kicks it out of bounds.

Osborne clears the ball once more, but Ireland are feeling intense pressure.

This is a huge moment, as Dupont is down with an injury.

That could be a game-changer.. He’s off! With a knee injury and France bring Lucu on as replacement.

Ireland 0-5 France, 24 minutes

14:50

What an incredible sequence!

France take a risk on their own line with a looping kick to Bielle-Biarrey, who responds with an excellent clearance kick.

TRY! Ireland 0-5 France, 20 minutes

14:47 , Ciara Fearn

France are first to get points on the board.

Dupont goes down the blindside and the ball is sent out wide to Bielle-Biarrey, who goes over untouched in the corner.

That is now seven straight internationals that Bielle-Biarrey has scored in.

Ramos’ kick misses, but France lead by five.

Bielle-Biarrey has the ability to make split second decisions in the moment that give him a competitive edge and makes him such a talented threat.

Yellow-card! Ireland 0-0 France, 19 minutes

14:44 , Ciara Fearn

France move the ball quickly out wide, and as Bielle Biarrey makes a break, Ramos is held back in support.

It was McCarthy who made the challenge, and he’ll now spend 10 minutes in the sin bin as a result.

Ireland without their big second-row will struggle.

Ireland 0-0 France, 18 minutes

14:42 , Ciara Fearn

The intensity on both sides of the ball is tense. The quality so far has been outstanding.

Ireland have had more possession but missed opportunities to score. France always pose a danger.

Prendergast uses his kicking game effectively, and from that, France drive forward in a maul before sending up a high kick, which they contest and win.

However, Ireland manage to regain possession, and Osborne clears it to Dupont.

Ireland 0-0 France, 16 minutes

14:39 , Ciara Fearn

Penalty to France! They win the breakdown and gain excellent field position.

They’ll have a lineout. They’re just outside the Irish 22.

Will this be an opportunity for France to get some points on the board?

Knock-on! Ireland 0-0 France, 14 minutes

14:37 , Ciara Fearn

The roar of the crowd is intense as there was a knock-on.

Dupont knocked the ball on while attempting a tackle on the edge of the France 22, and the ball then hit the ground before the visitors got the chance to break away and score.

Ireland 0-0 France, 11 minutes

14:34 , Ciara Fearn

France are all over the ball! But it’s Ireland who win another penalty from the line-out.

Hugo Keenan came close to scoring but dropped the ball, though play is brought back for the penalty. Prendergast kicks to the corner.

That's four penalties against France after 12 minutes of play.

Ireland win the throw and are doing well.

Ireland 0-0 France, 9 minutes

14:31 , Ciara Fearn

Sheehan quickly taps and is held just short of the try line.

Doris then charges forward, but the French defence manages to stop the Ireland captain from grounding the ball over the line.

Ireland are inside the 22, with the forwards making solid progress.

France are holding strong for the moment... and earn a penalty.

There’s been some big collisions from Ireland. Sam Prendergast goes for the three point opportunity, after a failed kicked to the corner.

It smashes upright and Penaud clears.

Penalty! Ireland 0-0 France, 4 minutes

14:26

France halt Ireland's Gibson-Park at the breakdown, awarding them a crucial lineout in excellent territory.

Ireland win the throw.

Ireland 0-0 France, 2 minutes

14:23

We’re under way in Dublin..

Nash was a last-minute replacement for Lowe, who was injured during the warm-up, but he has already made a statement, winning an aerial duel at midfield and out jumping Romain Ntamack.

France have historically had the upper hand in this fixture, but this Ireland team has emerged victorious in the last two encounters.

KICK OFF!

14:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Underway in Dublin!

Roaring anthems

14:15

Both teams make their way out of the tunnel, with Ireland led by three centurions playing their final home game: Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray.

Following them are three players earning their 50th caps, captain Caelan Doris, Finlay Bealham, and Jack Conan -before the rest of the squad emerges.

The Irish president Michael D Higgins is being presented to the players ahead of the anthems.

Perspectives from both sides

14:03 , Ciara Fearn

James Lowe RULED OUT

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Major late team news for Ireland - James Lowe is OUT after his back spasmed in the warm-up. Oh dear. A real shame for the hosts, already without Mack Hansen and now forced into another alteration in the back three.

Calvin Nash, perhaps unfortunate not to have been the beneficiary of Hansen’s injury, is called in late to fill Lowe’s left wing berth. Could that be crucial?

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby:

13:57 , Ciara Fearn

“The team has worked hard again this week and the preparation has been positive for what we know will be a huge test.

“There is great respect and rivalry between the two teams and it should be a cracking contest.

“We know that given the opportunity, the French have the ability to do real damage.

“But so do we and we feel confident that if we get our game in place and that we win moments and create momentum, this team can do something special as well.”

France head coach Fabien Galthie:

13:56 , Ciara Fearn

“This match has special stakes, we know that and that is what we want.

“What is more, it is a match against the best European nation in the last three or four years.

“They are a very high-level team, one of the two best nations in the world, if not the best, and they are playing at home.

“It is true that the challenge is immense. And taking on a huge challenge is what we are looking for.”

A late injury blow for Ireland?

13:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We are awaiting confirmation, but the late loss of James Lowe could potentially be a huge injury blow for Ireland - the wing limped down the tunnel during the warm-up. We presume it would be Calvin Nash to come in on the wing...

Honouring 50 Caps for Caelan, Finlay, and Jack

13:46 , Ciara Fearn

Ireland v France at the Aviva Stadium is always a significant event, but today holds extra meaning for Caelan Doris, Finlay Bealham, and Jack Conan as they celebrate their 50th international caps.

Every cap is a proud achievement, from the first to the fiftieth, and this milestone is a testament to their dedication.

France get helping hand from Thierry Henry ahead of Ireland Six Nations clash

13:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France were given a helping hand in their preparations for the crunch Six Nations clash with Ireland by a visit from former footballer Thierry Henry.

Henry, one of France’s greatest players, memorably played a huge role in denying the Republic of Ireland a place at the 2010 Fifa World Cup as his handball went unspotted by the officials in the lead-up to William Gallas’s goal.

The defender’s equaliser in the second leg of the play-off tie ensured that France progressed to the tournament in South Africa at their opponents’ expense. The Football Association of Ireland requested that the fixture be replayed, or that their side earned inclusion as a 33rd qualifier, with Henry admitting later that he felt embarrassed by the incident.

France get helping hand from Thierry Henry ahead of Ireland Six Nations clash

Ireland and France’s contrasting styles create captivating Six Nations title showdown

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The old adage of styles making fights rings true when it comes to meetings between Ireland and France. Across these last few years, at a time when the strength and depth of the championship have perhaps never been better, these pair have stood apart as Six Nations heavyweights; their annual ding-dongs almost invariably decisive to the destination of the title.

The mathematics may not be totally straightforward – England harbour faint hopes – but come Saturday afternoon, these two will crouch in their corners as the reigning, defending, history-chasing champions and a No 1 contender so capable of dealing a knockout blow. After 80 exhausting, exhilarating minutes, just one will be left standing.

Ireland and France’s contrasting styles create captivating Six Nations title showdown

Team news - France

13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France are able to bring Romain Ntamack back after the starting side with the fly half having served his suspension. Thomas Ramos is therefore moved to full-back as part of a backline that also includes a recalled Damian Penaud on the wing. Fabien Galthie persists with a seven forwards to one back bench split, with the septet given extra might by lock Emmanuel Meafou, who has recovered from an illness.

France XV: 1 Jean Baptiste-Gros, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio; 4 Thibaud Flament, 5 Mickael Guillard; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Paul Boudehent, 8 Gregory Alldritt; 9 Antoine Dupont, 10 Romain Ntamack; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Yoram Moefana, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi; 14 Damian Penaud; 15 Thomas Ramos.

Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Emmanuel Meafou, 20 Hugo Auradou, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Anthony Jelonch; 23 Maxime Lucu.

Romain Ntamack returns as France stick with bold selection call for Ireland meeting

Team news - Ireland

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland captain Caelan Doris has been passed fit to return after missing the trip to Wales, though all of Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher and, perhaps most damagingly, Mack Hansen are ruled out. Jamie Osborne, more often a centre or full-back, switches over to the right wing to cover for Hansen’s absence with Garry Ringrose suspended after his sending off in Cardiff. Three members of the matchday 23 will play in Irish colours on home soil for the final time, with all of Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony and Cian Healy retiring after this tournament.

Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Peter O’Mahony, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Jamie Osborne; 15 Hugo Keenan.

Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Ryan Baird; 22 Conor Murray, 23 Jack Crowley.

Ireland vs France talking points: Right wing risk?

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland's rejigged bench has created a need for greater flexibility among their backs. As a consequence, Easterby has selected Jamie Osborne in unfamiliar territory on the right wing. While versatile, the left-footed Leinster player has never before played the position in a professional match. His previous four Test starts have all come at full-back, plus a couple of cameos as a centre. Easterby, who is without first-choice right wing Mack Hansen due to injury and has overlooked Calvin Nash, played down concerns Osborne's inclusion could be a risk, saying: "He's a fabulous footballer. He's got a physical presence and he's also got a really smart rugby brain."

Ireland vs France talking points: Beefy benches

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

To supplement the flair provided by the likes of Dupont and Ntamack, France have made a statement of intent with their formidable bench selection. Les Bleus boss Galthie has, for the second successive match, opted for a seven-one split of forwards and backs among his replacements, copying a tactic pioneered by world champions South Africa. In response, Ireland have ditched their customary five-three selection in favour of going six-two. Recent contests between the two nations have featured attacking, free-flowing rugby. On this occasion, it may be the power of the packs which prove decisive.

Ireland vs France talking points: A fitting farewell?

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dublin is poised to bid farewell to three greats of the modern era as centurions Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray prepare for final Test outings at the Aviva Stadium. Flanker O'Mahony, who captained his country to Six Nations glory last year, and prop Healy - Ireland's most-capped player, with 136 - will retire from international rugby at the end of the championship. Scrum-half Murray is set to become ineligible for selection as he pursues an opportunity abroad. The trio have 371 Ireland caps combined. It promises to be an emotional occasion, albeit interim head coach Easterby is determined his side do not become sidetracked by sentiment.

Ireland vs France talking points: Mouthwatering match-ups

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With the team sheets packed with talent, there are set to be compelling individual head-to-head battles across the pitch. Caelan Doris versus Gregory Alldritt pits two of the game's best number eights against each another, props Andrew Porter and Uini Atonio are braced for some engrossing scrum skirmishes, while Romain Ntamack's timely return from suspension will see him face off with precocious Ireland fly-half Sam Prendergast. Yet, understandably, most eyes will be drawn to the battle of the scrum-halves. France captain Antoine Dupont is widely regarded as the sport's best player. Ireland's Jamison Gibson-Park is the frontrunner to wear nine for the British and Irish Lions this summer.

Ireland vs France talking points: Crunch clash

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This fixture has developed an extra edge and ultimately decided the destination of the title in each of the previous three years. France defeated Ireland 30-24 in Paris en route to the 2022 Grand Slam. But since then Ireland have had the upper hand, winning 32-19 in Dublin in 2023 and 38-17 in Marseille last February. Victory for Les Bleus would blow open the title race going into round five and potentially leave the door ajar for England to sneak glory. A home win will put Ireland in pole position to wrap up an unprecedented third consecutive title - and second Grand Slam in three years - away to Italy.

Gregor Townsend faces biggest match of Scotland reign with his future on the line

11:30 , Luke Baker

If Scotland had forgotten about the expectation that surrounds the squad as they prepare to welcome Wales to Edinburgh this weekend, Adam Jones was keen to remind them.

“There's no pressure on us, there's pressure on Scotland,” said the Wales scrum coach. “This is probably one of the best sides they've ever had, if not the best side they've ever had. They'll be expecting to beat us pretty comfortably at home, against a team that's lost 15 times [in a row]. We haven't put much of an underdog tag on us, but results probably dictate we are.”

Gregor Townsend faces biggest match of Scotland reign with his future on the line

Finn Russell shutting out the critics after Scotland’s Calcutta Cup heartbreak

11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland talisman Finn Russell insisted he is unfazed by criticism from outside his inner circle as he bids to bounce back from his Calcutta Cup frustration.

The 32-year-old co-captain missed all three of his goal kicks in the agonising 16-15 defeat away to England, meaning he has landed just three of his eight attempts off the tee in this year’s championship.

Russell was cast as the fall guy for the England loss in some quarters and has had his credentials for this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour called into question, but the stand-off is only paying attention to the opinions of those he trusts – such as his father, Keith.

Finn Russell shutting out the critics after Scotland’s Calcutta Cup heartbreak

Honest Jamie George opens up on losing England captaincy: ‘I felt like I had a lot more to give’

11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It was the very start of an England career that, on Sunday afternoon, will reach a special milestone which underscores the value of patience and resilience to Jamie George. The front rower will raise his bat against Italy as he wins cap No 100, in doing so becoming the first male English hooker to compile a century as the heart and soul of his side.

Honest Jamie George reflects on losing England captaincy: ‘I had more to give’

The time for patience is over – England must finally deliver a complete Six Nations performance

10:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is a big weekend of Six Nations action, with two more highly intriguing matches to come after our doozy of an opener. For England, an encounter with Italy feels like a larger occasion than usual:

The time for patience is over – England must finally deliver a complete performance

Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy sign new contracts with Irish Rugby Football Union

10:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland pair Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy have signed new contracts with the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Connacht wing Hansen has committed to the end of the 2026-27 season, while the new deal for Leinster lock McCarthy runs until the conclusion of the 2027-28 campaign.

Mack Hansen and Joe McCarthy sign new contracts with Irish Rugby Football Union

Ireland vs France

10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Today marks the Dublin farewell for three Irish greats, all of Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray bowing out of Test rugby after this campaign. What servants they have been...

Key Ireland trio to retire after Six Nations in end of an era

Six Nations title permutations: What Ireland, France and England need to win the championship

10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There are just two rounds of the 2025 Six Nations remaining and the title race has taken shape with three teams still harbouring realistic ambitions of lifting the trophy on 15 March. Here are the permutations you need to know:

Six Nations title permutations: What Ireland, France and England need to win trophy

Romain Ntamack returns as France stick with bold selection call for mighty Ireland meeting

09:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Romain Ntamack returns after suspension at fly half in the France side to face Ireland as Fabien Galthie sticks with a fearsome bench formed of seven forwards and just a single back.

Ntamack had been suspended for France’s last two games after his sending off against Wales on the opening weekend but steps straight back in, partnering Toulouse teammate Antoine Dupont in the halves.

His inclusion sees Thomas Ramos slide to full-back and Leo Barre, impressive against Italy in Rome, drop out of the squad entirely with scrum half Maxime Lucu the lone back on the bench for a mighty Six Nations meeting.

Romain Ntamack returns as France stick with bold selection call for Ireland meeting

‘Really smart rugby brain’ – Jamie Osborne backed to shine in unfamiliar role

09:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby is confident versatile back Jamie Osborne can shine in unfamiliar territory during today’s crunch Guinness Six Nations clash with title rivals France.

With Mack Hansen ruled out by a minor quad injury, left-footed Leinster player Osborne has been switched from full-back to the right wing.

The 23-year-old has featured on the left flank for his province – most recently in Investec Champions Cup wins over La Rochelle and Bath – but never before worn the number 14 jersey.

‘Really smart rugby brain’ – Jamie Osborne backed to shine in unfamiliar role

Ireland and France’s contrasting styles create captivating Six Nations title showdown

09:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The old adage of styles making fights rings true when it comes to meetings between Ireland and France. Across these last few years, at a time when the strength and depth of the championship have perhaps never been better, these pair have stood apart as Six Nations heavyweights; their annual ding-dongs almost invariably decisive to the destination of the title.

The mathematics may not be totally straightforward – England harbour faint hopes – but come Saturday afternoon, these two will crouch in their corners as the reigning, defending, history-chasing champions and a No 1 contender so capable of dealing a knockout blow. After 80 exhausting, exhilarating minutes, just one will be left standing.

Ireland and France’s contrasting styles create captivating Six Nations title showdown

Ireland vs France LIVE

Friday 7 March 2025 14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A very good morning - are you ready? It’s time for a mighty meeting of Six Nations title contenders, Ireland and France colliding again in a likely tournament decider. Will green grand slam dreams escape intact? Or can the visitors throw a wrench in the works?

Kick off in Dublin is at 2.15pm GMT.