Rampant France beat Ireland to take control of Six Nations title race

Mens Six Nations

Ireland (6) 27

Tries: Sheehan, Healy, Conan Cons: Prendergast 3 Pens: Prendergast 2

France (8) 42

Tries: Bielle-Biarrey 2, Boudehent, Jegou, Penaud Cons: Ramos 4 Pens: Ramos 3

Rampant France took control of the Six Nations title race as they scored 34 unanswered points to beat Ireland in Dublin and end the home sides Grand Slam hopes.

Despite losing captain Antoine Dupont to injury after 30 minutes, France scored three second-half tries to move two points clear of Ireland at the top and avenge last years defeat in Marseille.

Tournament top scorer Louis Bielle-Biarrey crossed twice for Les Bleus while Paul Boudehent, Oscar Jegou and Damian Penaud all scored in a stunning bonus-point triumph.

Dan Sheehans early second-half try put Ireland - who temporarily lost Joe McCarthy and Calvin Nash to yellow cards in either half - 13-8 up but Frances response was emphatic as they put themselves in pole position before hosting Scotland in their final game.

Ireland, however, must beat Italy in Rome next week and hope other results go their way as they chase an unprecedented third straight Six Nations title.

England, currently in third, can move above Ireland with a home victory over Italy on Sunday (15:00 GMT).

Ireland: Keenan; Nash, Henshaw, Aki, Osborne; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Bealham, McCarthy, Beirne, OMahony, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Herring, Healy, Clarkson, Ryan, Conan, Baird, Murray, Crowley.

Sin-bin: McCarthy (20), Nash (47)

France: Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Dupont (capt); Gros, Mauvaka, Atonio, Flament, Guillard, Cros, Boudehent, Alldritt.

Replacements: Marchand, Baille, Aldegheri, Meafou, Auradou, Jegou, Jelonch, Lucu.

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

More to follow.