Ireland player ratings: France (H)
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An impressive Irish first half performance built the platform for a bonus point 26-14 win over a disappointing French team.
Ireland made a quick start, scoring after just three minutes, with captain Rory Best powering over from close range from a five-metre driving maul.
Ireland were made to work hard with some committed French defence, but eventually the sustained pressure began to count.
A lovely wrap around move by Johnny Sexton and Gary Ringrose presented a huge gap for Sexton to race through and score.
He converted his own to score to make it 14-0 after 30 minutes.
Early replacement Jack Conan was soon over for Ireland again, as they dominated territory and possession.
Sexton missed the conversion and the score remained 19-0 at half time.
France started the second half better but struggled making their possession count and opportunities count.
A lovely line-out move put Keith Earls through a huge gap for him to race away and score the first points of the second half and the bonus point for Ireland.
After a flurry of replacements, the game petered out somewhat, until Grégory Alldrit made a break through the middle before releasing Yoann Huget to score under the posts with only a few minutes remaining.
France scored again only a couple minutes after through a marauding driving maul, where it was deemed Camile Chat managed to ground the ball down.
It proved nothing more than two consolation scores as Ireland thoroughly deserved their bonus point victory and will now turn their attention to a monumental challenge at the Principality Stadium next week.
Here is how we rated the Irish players:
Jordan Larmour -7
Didn’t get too many opportunities with the ball in space, but made an electric break near the end. Needs to involve himself more, as he can beat a man in a postbox.
Keith Earls - 7
Took his try really well and looked a threat out on the wing. Rarely puts a foot wrong and that England game is now well in the background.
Gary Ringrose - 9
Was superb throughout and a constant menace to the French defence. Linked up fantastically with Sexton and is one of Irelands key players.
Bundee Aki - 6
Carried well and looked defensively sound but a few of his passes hit the ground and maybe wasn’t as clinical as he should be.
Jacob Stockdale - 6
A rare game without a try with the Irishman in a game with few chances for him. His one chance, he kicked too long, but still looked dangerous despite not being at his best.
Jonathan Sexton - 9
Was the ringmaster of the game and involved in everything that was good for Ireland, particularly in the first half. Is a joy to watch in this form.
Conor Murray - 8
Had his best game of the tournament yet, controlling the Irish pack well and linking up with Sexton like we know he can.
Cian Healy - 8
Carried really well and was key to some of the go forward ball Ireland managed. Scrummaged well too and almost had a try with some quick thinking.
Rory Best - 8
Led his side and thoroughly deserved his first half score. Only missed one throw in the line-out; a strong performance.
Tadhg Furlong - 6
Quiet by his normally high standards, yet still carried and scrummed well.
Iain Henderson - 7
A strong showing by the Ulster-man, but will need to be at his best for Wales next week.
James Ryan - 8
Was the heart of the Irish pack and a deserving man of the match, carrying well in heavy traffic and smashing any Frenchman that moved.
Peter O'Mahony - 6
Made a few good turnovers, in an otherwise quiet match for the flanker.
Josh van der Flier - 5
Barely had a chance to make an impact, after going off injured with only 20 minutes on the clock.
CJ Stander - 7
Ireland will be glad to have his carrying back at the helm of the pack. Made 32 metres, all in heavy traffic and helped create some of the momentum for Irelands scores.
Replacements - 6
Conan came on early and carried well throughout and Jack Carty had a few nice touches, but ultimately failed to make too much of an impact.
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