Ireland rediscovered their 2018 mojo to crush France 26-14 and sustain their slender Six Nations title hopes.
Rory Best, Johnny Sexton, Jack Conan and Keith Earls all crossed as Joe Schmidt’s men hit back to form, with Yoann Huget and Camille Chat claiming late consolations for the disorganised French.
Ireland’s bonus-point win means victory against Grand Slam-chasing Wales in Cardiff on Saturday could yet sweep the title, though that would also require an England slip-up against Scotland at Twickenham.
Here’s our report card from a one-sided contest.
THE GOOD
Ireland back to their best: Ireland controlled everything from the efficiency at the breakdown, tight defence, excellent continuity play, quick line speed and general commitment to the contest. All the ingredients for a positive performance were on show at the Aviva Stadium.
To underline the intense pressure Ireland had France under in the first half, in particular, they only had to make 62 tackles in contrast to the outrageous 136 France were forced to make.
In total, the Men in Green dominated possession (65%), territory (72%), rucks won (97%), mauls won (100%) and enjoyed more cleans breaks and defenders beaten.
If there was one criticism for an overall strong Ireland display, they switched off in the final ten minutes and conceded two tries.
Set piece: Ireland dominated their set piece, winning 17 out of 18 of their line-outs and seven out of their nine scrums.
It was a large improvement from the win over Scotland where Ireland struggled at line-out time, winning just 15 out of 20.
Against Les Bleus though, it was off the set piece that Ireland looked sharp as they initiated some formidable attacking opportunities. But for all their possession and territory in second half, should have put some more than seven points on the scoreboard.
THE BAD
France penalties: Their discipline continues to be a disgrace. In the first half, they gave away four penalties within ten metres of their line – similar to the first half against Scotland two weeks ago.
In total, they gave away a miserable 12 penalties. Discipline is key in professional rugby and France need to tighten up in this area if they are to have any chance of improving in the future.
Ireland, in comparison, were sharp without the ball, giving out just seven penalties – a testament to their tight game plan where they consistently keep the penalty count to single figures.
Nul structure: The disappointing thing is France have the players to put any team under pressure but they fail to show it.
The visitors showed a glimmer of their class in the second half but have no consistency to their game plan whatsoever.
They can secure possession and make some yards, but just aren’t streetwise in their tactics and nearly go off and do their own thing.
If they stayed organised, like Ireland, the score-line could have looked more attractive and they might have made it a contest.
It’s a shame the general structure in France is atrocious considering how well rugby is run in Ireland, England, France, Wales and Scotland.
The French Rugby Federation are doing no favours and need to change their ways fast.
KEY MOMENTS
2 mins: Ireland secure ball off line out and Best burrows through for the opening try on his 116th cap. Sexton converts from a tight angle (7-0).
29 mins: Sexton shows fantastic hands to wrap around Garry Ringrose and collect the return pass. The 33-year-old sprints in over the line for his 10th try. He converts to make it 14-0.
35 mins: Murray looks to pick apart the France defence from the 22 and sends a pass to Conan who barrels over from close range (19-0).
56 mins: From a planned move off the line-out, CJ Stander feeds Keith Earls who cuts through for a glorious bonus point try. Sexton posts the conversion (26-0).
77 mins: Ireland switch off and Huget sprints through from 20 metres to score a consolation try. Baptise Serin converts (26-7).
80 mins: Chat touches down for a late try. Serin converts (26-14).
TACTICAL TURNING POINTS
Ireland were superior from start to finish. They dominated possession and territory and kept the pressure on, with France unable to get a foothold in the contest.
The hosts made good decisions and held the ball, in contrast to a France side who consistently gave away penalties when under pressure.
Les Bleus lacked discipline, composure and accuracy. As someone who has admired French Rugby for such a long time, this current side is shambolic and it’s hard to see them make any impact at the World Cup later this year.
For Ireland, it was a classy display despite conceding two late tries. Of the many solid performances on show at the Aviva, the showings of James Ryan, Garry Ringrose and Stander will be a confidence booster ahead of their final match against Wales next Saturday.
VERDICT
Ireland: B+
A brilliant performance despite late lapse in concentration. It was the response Schmidt would have wanted and sets them up for a crucial match against Wales in Cardiff. The Dragons bidding for a first Grand Slam since 2012 and Ireland looking to win a second Six Nations title in three years. A thriller awaits.
France: D
The visitors lacked any sort of creativity or belief during the game. It was as if they were beaten after the first try was scored. Not a lot coach Jacques Brunel can do when it looks like the majority of the players aren’t interested in donning the French jersey.
