France 36-14 Ireland recap - Bielle-Biarrey scores two as reigning champions run in five tries against depleted Ireland in Six Nations opener

Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored twice as France dominated Ireland in a five-try 36-14 victory to open the Six Nations with a bang at Stade de France. 

Tries from Matthieu Jalibert and Charles Ollivon provided France with a solid foundation in the first half alongside Bielle-Biarrey’s opener as Ireland struggled to find their feet. 

France continued to control the second half as Bielle-Biarrey scored his second early doors. Well-timed substitutes Nick Timoney and Michael Milne scored a try each to fashion a comeback, but the French had an insurmountable advantage which was increased by a last-minute try from Theo Attissogbe.

Fabien Galthie’s side commanded the match from the outset, with Bielle-Biarrey getting his first glimpse at the try-line in the opening five minutes but was beaten to it by Sam Prendergast. 

It wasn’t long until he made the scoresheet, however, running home the opening try of the tournament after a controversial forward pass was overlooked by the officials.

Returning skipper Antoine Dupont was heavily involved, setting up half-back partner Jalibert for the second try of the match off a scrum as Ollivon closed out the first half on the right flank after collecting a Jalibert chip. 

Bielle-Biarrey then scored an outrageous second try after he collected a final nudge from Ramos - who was set up by Dupont - before diving over the try line. 

Ireland flirted with a comeback through tries in quick succession from Nick Timoney and Michael Milne, creating a window of hope for fans. 

But, with time running out, Attissogbe’s final try sealed a superb French performance and produced a scoreline which will leave the Irish reeling.  

France defence coach Shaun Edwards on ITV: "We're very happy. I thought our attack was fantastic and we dominated possession and territory. That's unusual against Ireland; they normally do that to their opponent.

"It was a joy to watch at times. You want to see it in training, it's incredible.

"We plays Wales away next, and we know they are very organised. I know their coaches, and we have to make sure we can handle that."

Ireland captain Caelan Doris, on ITV, said: "We left ourselves too tall a mountain to climb in the first half. We were too passive defensively; there were 19 missed tackles, which allowed them to flourish with keeping the ball alive and their attacking game.

"The first 30 minutes, we couldn't find our feet, we allowed them to get phases and score off the back. The bench made a good impact when they came on got us back into the game a bit and got our energy going so there was a bit of grit and determination in the second half. Very disappointing way to start the campaign."

On what they will work between now and the Italian showdown next week, he said: "It all starts with defence, we needed a strong defence, and we didn't have it. Quite a few lessons learned and we are going to need to be better at home next week."

Wales have finished bottom of the Six Nations in each of the last two championships and Steve Tandy will be aiming to avoid making it three in a row this year. They begin their campaign at Twickenham, where they take on an England side who are much-fancied to challenge France for the title. Tandy has revealed his line-up, which includes long-time winger Louis Rees-Zammit starting at full-back.

Wales will now have a real insight into what they will be hosting next weekend as they face France at the Principality.

France are certainly the ones to watch this tournament.

Ireland will need to lick their wounds and regroup before they host Italy at the Aviva next Saturday.

France were on form today and had a huge array of talent at their disposal, though, whereas the Irish had a dilapidated squad.

That's two on the bounce now for the French, who commanded a dominant victory over the Irish.

With the five tries, this is the largest margin of victory in this fixture since 2010!

And that's a wrap on the first match of this Six Nations and what a brilliant start it was.

France were superb and produced some excellent rugby.

Ireland struggled in the first half, but some impact subs made a real difference to the scoreline.

Into the red and Theo Attissogbe races over try-line despite Ireland's best efforts to stop him.

Wow some excellent rugby from the French

Ireland failed to make an impact on the counter to secure their third try of the match. Into the final minute and it's all about stopping another French try.

Jalibert is on the ground as a trio of French players go for James Ryan after an almost too late hit knocks the Frenchman off his balance mid-kick. The ball goes within meters of the Irish try-line. Not bad considering.

Baptiste Serin has come on for France over Dupont as France bear down on the try-line on two occasions. France look set for a fifth at this point with a line-out five meters out.

Ronan Kelleher was the one who got the ball over the line, but that was not the issue.

TMO has looked back and deemed it was knocked on by Doris earlier in the phase.
France are given the scrum.

The ref is confused, I'm confused. But Ireland are over the try-line. No celebrations though.

It's gone to TMO for a knock on.

Ireland are bearing down on the French try-line.

They are staying very central and are avoiding all their outer opportunities. Ireland are making it hard for themselves.

The energy of the first half has definitely gone from this match. Both sides have been run ragged and they are all just clinging on.

RAMOS RELIEVED
Wow, what a catch. Ramos dealt with that beyond well.

Ringrose was going full tilt on that chase down, which saw the ball kicked over half the length of the pitch.

Almost another opportunity for the Irish.

There have been a couple of controversial decisions this match which have gone the way of the French.

Should Dupont have received a yellow? Was the pass to Bielle Biarrey forward?

These props are proving to be the deciding factor here. McCloskey and Milne were both brought on in the mass substitutions and they reinvigorated this side.

Two tries in two minutes and after a TMO review, the try was given to Milne. This has just got very interesting.