Summary

  • Ireland beat France 26-14 to keep alive Six Nations title hopes

  • Ireland must beat Wales in Cardiff and hope Scotland beat England

  • Captain Best gave Ireland early lead with try in corner

  • Sexton & Conan also scored as hosts led 19-0 at half-time

  • Earls' 30th try secured bonus-point fourth try

  • France score two late consolation tries

  1. Postpublished at 61 mins

    Ireland 26-0 France

    It's all Ireland now and they playing with a swagger.

    Jack Carty shows his footballing skills with a well-weighted kick through to pin France deep inside their half.

  2. Postpublished at 16:30 Greenwich Mean Time 10 March 2019

    Ireland 26-0 France

    Tony Ward
    Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

    That is straight from the Joe Schmidt strategy book, having studied the opposition to death. It was a lovely reverse pass from CJ Stander to send Earls in under the posts and a brilliant way to bring up the bonus point.

  3. Postpublished at 16:29 Greenwich Mean Time 10 March 2019

    Ireland 26-0 France

    Jim Neilly
    BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra commentator

    Keith Earls overtakes Denis Hickie to become Ireland's second-highest try-scorer of all time behind Brian O'Driscoll.

    He was like the proverbial hot knife through beurre.

    Keith EarlsImage source, Rex Features
  4. Replacementpublished at 16:29 Greenwich Mean Time 10 March 2019

    Ireland 26-0 France

    That's Johnny Sexton's last involvement as he is replaced by Jack Carty. Captain Rory Best also makes way in what could be his last Six Nations home game.

    The supporters are off their feet.

  5. converted try

    Converted try - Ireland 26-0 Francepublished at 56 mins

    Keith Earls (con Johnny Sexton)

    Ireland secure the bonus point with a pre-planned move right off the training ground.

    Ireland throw the ball to CJ Stander at the back of the line-out, before the number eight breaks off and feeds Keith Earls back inside.

    The winger runs a brilliant line and has the gas to sprint clear and dot down over the line.

    Johnny Sexton adds the conversion.

    Keith EarlsImage source, Rex Features
  6. Postpublished at 54 mins

    Ireland 19-0 France

    Tempers are beginning to flare in the Irish capital and Peter O'Mahony is at the heart of it. Now now boys.

  7. Postpublished at 53 mins

    Ireland 19-0 France

    The hosts have a go at the scrum but the move fizzles out and Ireland win the penalty.

    We all know what happens next.

    Johnny Sexton gently prods the ball into touch for another line-out.

  8. Postpublished at 16:21 Greenwich Mean Time 10 March 2019

    Ireland 19-0 France

    Tony Ward
    Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

    Garry Ringrose is playing the complete game today. He is one of three Ireland players haring up in that chase and finally snags Antoine Dupont after the France scrum-half had evaded Jacob Stockdale

    Garry RingroseImage source, Rex Features
  9. Postpublished at 51 mins

    Ireland 19-0 France

    The ball is lumped long and Jacob Stockdale puts on the burners in pursuit.

    Antoine Dupont collects the ball behind his own line, and the Irish cavalry haul him to the ground for an Irish five metre scrum.

    The Irish supporters are off their seats for the first time this half.

  10. Postpublished at 50 mins

    Ireland 19-0 France

    Whatever you can do, I can do better.

    Peter O'Mahony responds to the French resurgence with a turnover of his own and Ireland can steady the ship once more.

  11. Postpublished at 49 mins

    Ireland 19-0 France

    'Allez Les Blues' rings around the Aviva for the first time since the game has kicked off.

    Louis Picamoles gobbles up the ball on the ground and Ireland are penalised for holding on in the ruck.

    France kick the penalty into the Irish half and they have another chance.

  12. Postpublished at 47 mins

    Ireland 19-0 France

    It's a case of deja vu for the French.

    Thomas Ramos and Yoann Huget get France on the front foot, but when the ball is recycled, a loose hand knocks the ball forward and Ireland recover possession.

  13. 'France have to go looking for things'published at 16:13 Greenwich Mean Time 10 March 2019

    Ireland 19-0 France

    Tony Ward
    Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

    France have to go looking for things, to try and make things happen.

    In the opening four minutes of the second half they have put together more constructive rugby than they managed in the first forty.

    That in turn could create opportunities for Ireland to counter.

    Gael FickouImage source, Getty Images
  14. Postpublished at 44 mins

    Ireland 19-0 France

    It's France's turn to kick the ball deep into Irish territory for a line-out of their own.

    Mathieu Bastareaud carries hard and Les Blues go through the phases but they are struggling to create anything to concern the Ireland defence.

    The ball is knocked on in midfield and Ireland have a scrum to relieve the early pressure.

  15. Postpublished at 42 mins

    Ireland 19-0 France

    France have started well and they win the penalty inside their own half for a high tackle on Antoine Dupont.

    Incidentally, that is only the second penalty Ireland have conceded this afternoon.

    Antoine DupontImage source, Getty Images
  16. 'Put the hammer down'published at 16:07 Greenwich Mean Time 10 March 2019

    Ireland 19-0 France

    Malcolm O'Kelly
    Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    Joe Schmidt wants to make a statement and have his team put the hammer down.

    This championship could come down to tries scored and did they take their opportunities in matches like this.

    He'll them to stick to the plan, don't get too fancy, keep at it, keep the pressure on and keep control.

  17. Kick-off - Ireland 19-0 Francepublished at 40 mins

    Johnny Sexton hoists the ball high into the Dublin sky and we're back underway...

  18. Postpublished at 16:05 Greenwich Mean Time 10 March 2019

    HT: Ireland 19-0 France

    The French have made their way back to the pitch first.

    Is that a show of intent ahead of the second period?

  19. Record-breaking Irelandpublished at 16:03 Greenwich Mean Time 10 March 2019

    HT: Ireland 19-0 France

    Simon Gleave
    Head of sports analysis, Gracenote

    Quote Message

    Ireland have never had a bigger half-time lead than this against France in the competition's history. France last failed to score in the first half against Ireland in 1999.

  20. 'Ireland's mojo is back'published at 16:03 Greenwich Mean Time 10 March 2019

    HT: Ireland 19-0 France

    Chris Henry
    Former Ireland flanker on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    It's been a fantastic half from Ireland. They've pinned France down and I'm delighted to see Johnny Sexton have such a great game.

    We could be more tries up. It's great to see Ireland with their mojo back.