Ireland vs France LIVE!

Ireland took a big step towards the Six Nations title and put down a marker ahead of the World Cup later this year as they battled to a thrilling 32-19 win over France in Dublin. A clash between the two best teams in the world, according to the world rankings, was much-anticipated and it led up to that hype in a sensational first 40 minutes.

Ireland went over the tryline three times, the best of those coming through a stunning James Lowe finish out wide, but Damian Penaud’s try and the boot of Thomas Ramos kept France in touch at 22-16 down despite Uini Atonio’s yellow card. The match was right in the balance heading into the final ten minutes, when Garry Ringrose went over in the corner to effectively put the match to bed, sealing the bonus point too as the celebrations began at the Aviva Stadium.

It ends France’s run of 14 straight wins, a streak that included last year’s Grand Slam, and puts Ireland in pole position for the title and to go unbeaten themselves, with matches against Italy, Scotland and England to come.

Ireland vs France latest news

• TRY! Ringrose over for huge Irish try

• TRY! Porter puts Ireland back in front

• SIN BIN! Yellow card for Atonio

• TRY! Outrageous finish from Lowe

• TRY! Brilliant from Penaud as France lead

• TRY! Keenan goes over for Ireland

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17:33 , Matt Verri

Ireland took a big step towards the Six Nations title and put down a marker ahead of the World Cup later this year as they battled to a thrilling 32-19 win over France in Dublin.

A clash between the two best teams in the world, according to the official rankings, was much-anticipated and it lived up to that hype in a sensational first 40 minutes.

Ireland went over the tryline three times, the best of those coming through a stunning James Lowe finish out wide, but Damian Penaud’s try and the boot of Thomas Ramos kept France in touch at 22-16 down despite Uini Atonio’s yellow card.

The match was right in the balance heading into the final ten minutes, when Garry Ringrose went over in the corner to effectively it to bed, sealing the bonus point too as the celebrations began at the Aviva Stadium.

It ends France’s run of 14 straight wins, a streak that included last year’s Grand Slam, and puts Ireland in pole position for the title and to go unbeaten themselves, with matches against Italy, Scotland and England to come.

Just about in play?

17:01 , Matt Verri

More from Ireland’s head coach...

16:42 , Matt Verri

Andy Farrell: We expected to win

16:33 , Matt Verri

“It was a huge game, two great teams going at each other. It is a victory in a competition that we want to do well in. The fighting spirit was great but we also played some great stuff.

“I think we could have come away with a few more points but we won’t be greedy because we got the bonus point.

“They are a world-class side but we expected to go out there, perform and win. I’m sure there will be many battles down the line as well.”

16:25 , Matt Verri

A weekend off now for these two sides, before the Six Nations resumes in a fortnight.

Ireland travel to Rome to face Italy, then to Murrayfield as they go up against Scotland. England at home is the last match of the competition for Andy Farrell’s side.

Scotland looked good last week at Twickenham, but you’d have to say there’s a very decent chance Ireland go on to get the Grand Slam now.

Hugo Keenan’s post-match thoughts

16:20 , Matt Verri

“It’s hard to sum it up in one word. The French are an incredible side and it showed out there as we had to work for the whole 80 minutes.

“Our fast start was important and then our bench came on and made a big difference.

“It was a long time coming, it was the one we were focusing on so it was brilliant that we got it.”

16:15 , Matt Verri

Two matches. Two victories. Two bonus-point wins.

Absolutely perfect start to the Six Nations from Ireland, swept aside Wales last week and proved too good for France here.

Could prove to be a very, very special 2023 for the Irish.

Moment that sealed it...

16:12 , Matt Verri

FT: Ireland 32-19 France

16:09 , Matt Verri

IRELAND END FRANCE’S WINNING RUN!

The best team in the world prove why they are just that. The Six Nations and the Grand Slam very much on the cards!

16:08 , Matt Verri

80 mins: Clock ticks into the red.

France have a penalty, but their race is run. The winning run is over, the Grand Slam dream done.

They can still get a losing bonus point though.

16:05 , Matt Verri

78 mins: Dupont can only kick for touch deep in his own 22.

Don’t need me to tell you Ireland aren’t exactly skipping over to take this lineout. Taking every second they can.

16:02 , Matt Verri

75 mins: Dupont breaking away into space, flicks the kick through to Penaud but it was never really on. Irish shirts quickly slam that door shut.

They need a try in the next couple of minutes, but they’ve lost the ball. Ireland closing in on a famous win.

And they have a penalty on halfway!

16:00 , Matt Verri

Byrne adds the extra two points, Ireland 32-19 up.

France have seven points to find two converted tries - going to need to be something very, very special!

TRY! Ireland 30-19 France | Garry Ringrose 72'

15:59 , Matt Verri

Phases up to 15 now, Hansen and Aki the latest to try their luck. Kelleher now runs into a brick wall.

Doris flings it wide to Ringrose... AND HE’S OVER IN THE CORNER! THAT COULD BE THAT!

15:57 , Matt Verri

70 mins: Another clever kick into the French 22, Les Blues will have their lineout tested once more.

They pass that assignment but France can only kick it back to Ireland. Feels like an age since those blue shirts were last deep into Irish territory.

Ten minutes to go, advantage is only six points though. Anyone’s game.

15:53 , Matt Verri

67 mins: Aki is on for Ireland, as they try and navigate their way through this final 13 minutes or so.

First-half was thrilling, second period has been so tense. Both sides know how much is at stake.

Big hits continue to come in, Ireland working the phases on the halfway line. Kick through is being covered by Penaud, who just about deals with it. Almost too calm there!

15:49 , Matt Verri

64 mins: Ireland steal the lineout, once again they’re deep into the French 22 as the Aviva roars them on.

Time and time again France have kept them at bay though... and they do so again! Ireland held up and Ntamack thumps the kick up the pitch.

DROP GOAL! Ireland 25-19 France | Thomas Ramos 62'

15:46 , Matt Verri

Phases well into double figures for France, not much pace to it though as Ireland slow things down at the breakdown.

Ramos into the pocket, goes for the drop goal and nails it! Gets France back to six points behind.

PENALTY! Ireland 25-16 France | Ross Byrne 60’

15:44 , Matt Verri

Simple task for Byrne as he knocks over his first points of the match.

Ireland stretch their lead beyond a converted try!

15:42 , Matt Verri

58 mins: 50-22 from Keenan, superb from the full-back!

Casey bursts towards the line, Ireland 5m away from the first points of the half. Advantage too.

Conan just about kept at bay, flung wide to Lowe and he’s slowed too. Back for the advantage, France offside. Imagine Ireland will go for the points.

15:40 , Matt Verri

56 mins: Some very tired bodies out there, as the phases continue.

Lowe with the outside of his left foot slices a brilliant kick into touch on the bounce, takes Ireland right up towards the French 22.

He celebrated that like he’d gone over for a match-winning try. Murray off for Ireland, Casey on to replace him.

15:38 , Matt Verri

54 mins: Kicking battle has broken out, neither side showing any interest in running with it.

Ramos decides to put an end to the game of tennis, kicks for touch and it will be an Irish lineout inside their own half.

15:36 , Matt Verri

52 mins: France scrum, just outside their own 22. Dupont hammers the kick into the open grass in the Irish half, and the ball bobbles its way out for a lineout.

This match is perfectly poised with just under half an hour to go. There for either side.

15:32 , Matt Verri

50 mins: Byrne is on for Ireland, Sexton forced off as he shakes his head.

France meanwhile continue to run from everywhere, offloads aplenty. Dumortier on the wing, lobs the kick over Keenan and collides with the full-back.

He wants a penalty, don’t think he’s going to get it though.

15:30 , Matt Verri

48 mins: France coming again though, this is a great spell for them. They’re five metres out, brilliant work at the breakdown.

But the whistle goes... penalty Ireland! Huge defence and they can clear their lines. Still feels like this is a dangerous period for the Irish.

15:28 , Matt Verri

46 mins: Beirne has limped off for Ireland, can barely walk. Henderson on to replace him. Sexton receiving treatment too, it’s the walking wounded all of a sudden.

Ramos points to the posts, looking to extend his perfect record this afternoon. This would halve the deficit.

Can’t do so, his first miss! Would have split the posts, but it drops just short. Ireland survive, six-point lead remains.

15:26 , Matt Verri

45 mins: Sexton has been so influential all match, and he nearly sets Porter away. France scramble back.

And France have won it back in their own 22! They decide to run it out too, no interest in kicking. Dupont skips through a few tackles, Ireland just about eventually bring him down.

Ireland briefly have the ball back, but they’re penalised for not releasing.

15:24 , Matt Verri

43 mins: Dupont holding his wrist it looks like, just about the last thing France want to see.

Ramos’ kick to touch doesn’t reach the halfway line, Ireland with the throw-in in French territory. Claimed well, and they quickly work it wide.

Lowe manages to wriggle his way towards the 22, France under pressure already.

Back underway!

15:21 , Matt Verri

Up and running again in Dublin for the second-half!

15:19 , Matt Verri

Would have to say Ireland have been much the better side, for all there’s been a few moments of magic from France.

Could easily have been another couple of Irish tries in that opening 40 minutes.

Both sides had a bit of luck with the TMO. Lowe’s foot looked to have potentially been in touch for that try, while Atonio could have had no complaints had he seen red for that tackle on Herring.

We’ll call it square.

This wasn’t bad either!

15:15 , Matt Verri

Penaud there at the start, Penaud there to finish.

Moment of magic from the French back - he’s been pretty quiet apart from that though.

Highlight of the half...

15:10 , Matt Verri

There’s been plenty to enjoy at the Aviva so far, but this finish from James Lowe was remarkable.

Flung himself into the air and somehow managed to get the ball down in the corner. Brilliant.

HT: Ireland 22-16 France

15:06 , Matt Verri

Easy as you like for Sexton in front of the posts and he knocks that over. Final kick of the half.

Ireland lead by six points at the end of an incredible 40 minutes. Good news... 40 more to come!

15:04 , Matt Verri

40 mins: Kelleher and then Porter halted about a metre short of the French tryline. Huge moments in the match here, a minute before half-time.

And Porter goes again, with Ireland having the advantage. Murray skips, turns... and crosses over? His reaction would suggest not. It’s a knock-on.

Back for the penalty we go. Sexton going for the points.

15:02 , Matt Verri

38 mins: HELD UP!

France drop it pretty much on their own tryline, Murray pounces but he’s just about held up. France hanging on for dear life in their own 22, Baille with some heroic defending.

Ireland scrum on the 5m line coming up.

15:00 , Matt Verri

37 mins: Ireland win it back at the breakdown, kicked into space and Penaud is under pressure as he sprints back towards his own tryline to gather.

Or that’s what you’d think. He instead strolls back, picks it up with one hand and skips away from a couple of green shirts.

Terrible offload from Ntamack, and here come Ireland though, Keenan is away.

Hansen claims, five metres out and has to score... NO! SENSATIONAL FROM DUPONT! How on earth has he stopped Hansen? Remarkable.

14:58 , Matt Verri

35 mins: Wayne Barnes trying to speed Dupont up at every opportunity, not having much luck.

Lowe with a decent kick from deep in his own half, out of play on the halfway line. And that will be Atonio’s opportunity to trudge back on. France will be very happy with how that ten minutes went, particularly after that Porter try.

PENALTY! Ireland 19-16 France | Thomas Ramos 33'

14:56 , Matt Verri

Comfortably had the distance!

Ramos maintains his perfect record this afternoon and France are back to within three points of Ireland.

Two minutes until Atonio returns. Game on!

14:54 , Matt Verri

32 mins: A rare bit of French possession, and they’re in no rush to do anything with it. Four minutes left until they’re back up to 15.

Penalty on the halfway line for Les Blues, Ryan not rolling away. Ramos eyeing this up, just about within range for his right boot.

14:52 , Matt Verri

30 mins: It’s Sexton of all people who finds himself out on the wing, bursting away into space. Inside to Sweetman-Doris, who’s hauled down in the French half. Ireland rampant.

They’ve got an advantage too, as Ringrose flings it wide. Murray five metres out... penalty France! Wow. Huge let-off, Ireland looked certain for a fourth try there.

Sexton is down, he got flattened by Penaud about a minute earlier.

TRY! Ireland 19-13 France | Andrew Porter 27’

14:48 , Matt Verri

Herring is off for an HIA. Ireland opt for the scrum, five metres out pretty much under the posts. Great position.

Murray quick to get the ball out, Ireland just about held up on the tryline. They’re inches away from a third try.

AND THERE IT IS! Porter just about goes over, wasn’t being stopped from that range. Sexton with the extras.

14:45 , Matt Verri

The crowd certainly unhappy with the tackle. There was definite contact with the head, Atonio could be in huge trouble here.

It’s a yellow card, Wayne Barnes says there was some force through the chest. Hmmm.

That could very easily have been a red. As it is, France down to 14 for ten minutes.

14:44 , Matt Verri

26 mins: Sexton free, bursting towards the line but he doesn’t quite have the pace. Ireland have the advantage, they fling it wide towards Lowe but it’s intercepted. Back for the penalty we go.

There was a monstrous hit from Atonio in the build-up to that, Herring absolutely swallowed up.

They’re going to check this.

14:42 , Matt Verri

24 mins: Dupont sees some space on halfway, shapes to kick and instead runs side to side for about ten seconds. Nobody can touch him seemingly.

Ireland win it back though, they find themselves just outside the French 22. Relentless pace to the match.

14:39 , Matt Verri

22 mins: Sexton out wide, unable to add the extra two points.

So, France 13-12 with just over half of the first period played. Couldn’t have asked for much more so far.

TRY! Ireland 12-13 France | James Lowe 21'

14:39 , Matt Verri

RIDICULOUS!

It’s given! You will not see a better finish than that, he had no right to pull that off.

Well that’s a fairly decent response to that French try. Incredible entertainment in Dublin.

14:37 , Matt Verri

21 mins: Surely not!

Ireland straight on the attack from the restart, they’re deep in the French 22.

Comes wide to Lowe, who absolutely launches himself into the air as he tries to touch the ball down in the corner. It would be the most unbelievable finish if he’s pulled it off.

TMO checking...

14:35 , Matt Verri

19 mins: It was messy in the French half as the ball bounced around, and that stretched the Irish defence. Les Blues had no problem with that though, and Penaud’s pace is on show once again. Ruthlessly took advantage of the space.

Ramos adds the extras and France are 13-7 up.

TRY! Ireland 7-11 France | Damian Penaud 18'

14:33 , Matt Verri

France have been pretty much running from everywhere, but Ntamack puts a stop to that.

Sexton launches it back, Keenan very nearly gets under the high ball but knocks it on instead. Here come France as it opens up, Penaud and Dupont leading the charge.

And it’s a sensational try! Penaud strolls over, that’s absolutely brilliant from France!

PENALTY! Ireland 7-6 France | Thomas Ramos 15'

14:31 , Matt Verri

O’Mahony penalised and France will have the chance to close the gap to just a point.

And they do that, Ramos has made a very confidence start. Two for two from him in the opening 15 minutes and France close in on Ireland.

14:29 , Matt Verri

13 mins: Ireland scrum as France knock it on, a brief pause in proceedings after a frantic spell.

Another really good scrum from the Irish, rock solid. Kicked away though and here come France, getting quick ball as they move into Irish territory.

Hansen does well though out wide, slows the French down and all the momentum has gone as they’re forced back to halfway.

14:25 , Matt Verri

11 mins: Sexton with the simplest of conversions, and Ireland lead 7-3 in Dublin.

This match very living up to the hype in the early stages!

TRY! Ireland 5-3 France | Hugo Keenan 9'

14:25 , Matt Verri

OVER THIS TIME!

Brilliant line from the full-back, spots the space straight through the middle and he just about bundles his way over the line between Ntamack and Ramos.

Superb from Ireland.

14:23 , Matt Verri

8 mins: That’s an absolute mess from France, Ireland looking for an immediate response.

Ramos fumbles the ball, and he’s stepped on the touchline as he tries to fling it back into play. Irish lineout five metres out, massive chance for them to hit back.

Herring almost bursts through the defence, just about halted. Ireland a metre away now. Ringrose takes them even closer.

Surely it’s got to go wide, so much space. No, it’s Porter who lunges for the line... HELD UP! Massive from France.

PENALTY! Ireland 0-3 France | Thomas Ramos 5'

14:20 , Matt Verri

And that’s a perfect start from Ramos!

Splits the posts, France are up and running in Dublin after a confident opening few minutes.

14:19 , Matt Verri

4 mins: France going through the phases, not really going anywhere with it though. Fickou at least gets them into the Irish half.

They’ve got an advantage too here, which it’s eventually pulled back for. Beirne penalises for not rolling away.

France will go for the points.

14:17 , Matt Verri

2 mins: Very strange start! Lowe in his own 22, looks to boot the ball up the pitch but instead thumps it straight into the camera flying above.

Will be an Irish scrum just outside their 22. Chance for France to put some early pressure on.

Solid from Ireland though, out it comes and Ringrose kicks them up to halfway.

KICK-OFF!

14:15 , Matt Verri

We’re underway in Dublin!

Best two teams in the world... it’s got a lot to live up to!

14:12 , Matt Verri

Two elite anthems. Couple of players emotional during them - safe to say both teams very much up for this. Ireland’s Call leaves Sexton in tears.

Huge roar from the stands at the end of that. Time to get up and running.

14:08 , Matt Verri

Irish president Michael D Higgins is out meeting the teams ahead of the anthems.

That’s all done - time for those anthems before the attention finally turns to kick-off! La Marseillaise first up.

Here we go!

14:04 , Matt Verri

Teams are out onto the pitch!

Brilliant atmosphere in Dublin, plenty of France fans in attendance too. Chance is there for either side to lay down a huge marker, both for the Six Nations and the World Cup later this year.

Massive, massive game.

Discipline key for France

13:58 , Matt Verri

Shaun Edwards says it’s been an “intense week” since that ill-disciplined display against Italy.

France’s defence coach still looks annoyed to be honest, very much not impressed with what he saw in Rome.

Imagine it’s been a pretty brutal few days of training for the French side this week, expect a big response.

Pre-match thoughts from Andy Farrell

13:54 , Matt Verri

“Two good teams going at it. Two teams that will find out more about themselves after the final whistle.

“We need better [than last week]. There’s a good honesty among the group, we’re looking forward to applying that.

“You’ve got to take your opportunities, you’ve got to be yourself and attack the game. It’s something we’ve got better at since our last game in Paris.

“Being ourselves, being as together as we possibly can be. Making good decisions and backing ourselves.”

Sexton finally features against France

13:48 , Matt Verri

Ireland have been without Jonny Sexton in their past two defeats to France.

Their captain is in the side this afternoon after passing his HIA earlier this week - a huge boost for the hosts.

Fair bit of experience provided by him and Conor Murray!

Not long now!

13:42 , Matt Verri

About half an hour to go until we get underway in Dublin.

Whoever comes out on top will be well on course to win the Six Nations, and indeed the Grand Slam really.

Scotland will fancy their chances of making it two from two later this afternoon, but it really looks to be between Ireland and France for the title.

Edwards not a happy man last week

13:36 , Matt Verri

France conceded 18 penalties last week against Italy - cannot have anything like a repeat of that here.

Got to imagine Shaun Edwards was working very, very hard with the squad this week to ensure discipline isn’t an issue this afternoon.

From what we’ve seen from France over the past 12 months, that display very much feels like an anomaly rather than the rule.

Suited and booted!

13:29 , Matt Verri

Farrell: Nearly not good enough

13:25 , Matt Verri

Andy Farrell believes his Ireland side have improved since the narrow defeat to France 12 months ago, but knows that will mean nothing unless they can produce the goods this afternoon.

“We’ll see - we certainly think we have,” Farrell responded when asked if Ireland had improved.

“We nearly got there in Paris last year but nearly is not quite good enough, so therefore lessons learned. Transferring that to the field is obviously the aim but the French are going to have a big say in that as well.

“I expect France to be at their best.”

Ireland in the building!

13:17 , Matt Verri

France continue march towards World Cup

13:10 , Matt Verri

It’s now 14 wins in a row for France, who continue to show why they are favourites to win the World Cup on home soil later this year.

That unbeaten run includes the Grand Slam 12 months ago, as well as thrilling autumn wins over Australia and South Africa.

Victory here in Dublin and another Grand Slam will very much be on the cards!

Les Blues on top in recent years...

13:02 , Matt Verri

France have won the last three meetings between the sides, including a 15-13 victory in Dublin two years ago and a crucial triumph in Paris last year en route to that Grand Slam.

Before this current streak of wins though, France were on a run of just one win in nine matches against Ireland.

Tough week for Murray

12:55 , Matt Verri

Conor Murray starts for Ireland at scrum-half, with the 33-year-old said to be in “good form” despite his father currently being in hospital.

After colliding with a truck while cycling, his had Gerry suffered serious injuries and is still being treated for those.

“He’s in good form, he’s back with the group and looking forward to the game,” said Irish scrum coach John Fogarty.

“We wish his dad the very best from the squad and a quick recovery.”

France get the job done... just

12:48 , Matt Verri

Significantly less convincing from France last weekend.

They trailed Italy with 18 minutes remaining, as the hosts threatened to pull off a massive upset.

But France kicked into gear when they had to, with Matthieu Jalibert going over to seal a bonus-point win.

Perfect start for Ireland!

12:41 , Matt Verri

Under the roof in Cardiff, Warren Gatland back in charge of Wales... the opening weekend had the makings of a potentially tricky test for Ireland.

That was certainly not the case. They raced into an early lead and didn’t look back, easing to a 34-10 win to lay down an early marker in the first match of the 2023 Six Nations.

Farrell: Everyone wants to be part of games like this

12:35 , Matt Verri

Andy Farrell rarely cuts a wistful figure, but the Ireland boss caught himself yearning for the fan experience this afternoon, as Ireland host France — world No1 versus world No2 — for the clash of the Six Nations.

The Test-match animal in head coach Farrell would ultimately not allow himself to be dragged away from Ireland’s coaching box, but just for a moment the 47-year-old betrayed his ultra competitive nature by wishing he could attend the match as a punter.

“Everyone is looking forward to this, I’ve been walking around Sandymount and everyone is pumped,” he said.

“You know, I wish I was walking down to the game with my mates, or my family or kids, because this is the type of game that everyone wants to be part of.”

The Aviva is ready!

12:28 , Matt Verri

Standard Sport prediction

12:23 , Matt Verri

The two best sides in the world, according to the official rankings, look set to serve up a thrilling encounter on Saturday.

Ireland proved too good for New Zealand, South Africa and Australia last year, and any fears they might have peaked too soon look to be unfounded after a ruthless display in Cardiff last weekend.

France though are in a winning habit themselves, and they are the only nation to have won in Dublin since the 2019 World Cup. They were a long way from their best against Italy, but still found a way to get the job done.

France came out on top a year ago on their way to the Grand Slam

Ill-discipline was a huge problem for France in Rome, conceding 18 penalties in a performance that would have infuriated defence coach Shaun Edwards. Any repeat of that this weekend and they will certainly be punished.

They will have to be much-improved against Ireland, though even that might not be enough with Andy Farrell’s side well-placed to get revenge for their defeat in Paris 12 months ago.

Ireland to win, by six points.

Ireland vs France lineups

12:17 , Matt Verri

Ireland XV: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Sexton (c), Murray; Porter, Herring, Bealham; Beirne, Ryan; O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, O’Toole, Henderson, Conan, Casey, Byrne, Aki.

France XV: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Dumortier; Ntamack, Dupont (c); Baille, Marchand, Atonio; Flament, Willemse; Jelonch, Ollivon, Alldritt.

Replacements: Barlot, Wardi, Falatea, Taofifenua, Cros, Macalou, Couilloud, Jalibert.

France team news

12:10 , Matt Verri

France remain without Jonathan Danty who will miss the entire Six Nations with a knee injury, along with forward Cameron Woki who suffered a hand fracture last month.

Matthieu Jalibert was the hero against Italy as his late try ensured France did not suffer a huge upset in Rome, but he is named among the replacements once again.

Head coach Fabien Galthie has kept faith in the same starting XV led by talismanic scrum-half Antoine Dupont. On the bench, Francois Cros and Baptiste Couilloud replace Thomas Lavault and Nolann Le Garrec.

Ireland team news

12:04 , Matt Verri

Ireland will again be without Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park and Cian Healy for France’s visit to Dublin, while dynamic hooker Dan Sheehan has also been added to the casualty list with a hamstring issue.

Star tighthead Furlong missed the win over Wales with a calf injury and that remains a problem, while influential scrum-half Gibson-Park and veteran prop Healy were both ruled out with hamstring injuries that forced their respective withdrawals on the day of the game.

Captain Johnny Sexton is crucially fit after passing a HIA in an unchanged back division, with Gibson-Park replacement Conor Murray also starting again after his own injury scare, backed up by Craig Casey.

Ulster’s Rob Herring deputises for Sheehan at hooker, with Ronan Kelleher named among the replacements.

How to watch Ireland vs France

11:57 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, Ireland vs France is being broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 1:25pm.

Live stream: Fans can also catch all the action live online via the ITVX app or ITV website.

Live blog: Or... follow it all right here with us!

Welcome!

11:47 , Matt Verri

Week two of the Six Nations is here and with it the biggest match of them all.

This already feels like a title decider, even if we are in the very early stages of the competition, as the two best sides in the world go head-to-head at Dublin in what promises to be a titanic encounter.

Ireland go into the match as slight favourites, after sweeping aside Wales last week in Cardiff, and they have a formidable record on home soil as Andy Farrell’s side continue to impress.

France though will be confident themselves, despite a stuttering opening display against Italy. The Grand Slam champions edged out Ireland a year ago in Paris - can they do likewise in Dublin this afternoon?

We’ll have all the latest updates and build-up ahead of kick-off, which comes at 2:15pm GMT from the Aviva Stadium.