Some game of rugby that, wasn't it.

World number one beats world number two. Favourites see off holders. Hosts preserve impressive record as visitors lose for the first time in 15 matches.

The stats only tell half the story, though, as it will be the relentless, thrilling - and at times spectacular - action that will long in the memory of those who witnessed it.

Many people had this pegged as a Six Nations decider before kick-off and it remains to be seen if that proves for be the case as Andy Farrell's men now turn their sights to Italy in Rome in a fortnight's time.

We could probably sit and talk (well, write) about that game of rugby all night, but for now we'll point you towards Matt Gault's match report here, with highlights and more reaction to follow.

Thanks for joining us. Bye for now.

Ireland captain Johhny Sexton, speaking on BBC Radio Ulster:

"We had a very special week and a special build-up to the game with a few special guests in during the week and spoke about Ireland's call. It was very emotional and unless you were in the room on Monday night you wouldn't understand why.

We had Brian O'Driscoll and Craig Doyle come in to talk to us about the 'Shoulder to Shoulder' documentary and it was very special and a great day and occasion. The supporters turned up and so did the French and it came down to chances. We didn't take as many in the first-half and made it really difficult but the lads hung in there - a very special day.

"When new coaches come in with a new way of playing it takes time so when we first met them in Covid times we looked all over the place, then the next time in the Stade de France it was a little bit better but still wasn't ourselves. Today we gave a true account of ourselves.

"If everything goes to plan and we get through our group there is a chance we get them again in the World Cup. So it was good to get that off our back in terms of beating them as they were the only team we hadn't beaten."

Eddie O'Sullivan
Former Ireland coach on BBC Radio Ulster

On form who would beat Ireland at the moment? They are at the top of the tree and they have proven it again. The question after the summer was maybe whether New Zealand were quite where New Zealand have been, but Ireland doubled down in the autumn and have done it again.

The pressure today was colossal, the bragging rights are huge going forward. There is a cold shiver going down the French spine today because they are all on for the World Cup and this is a lesson to them. This is not going to go to plan if things continue like this, so Ireland have really set a marker here. You never know in the Six Nations but on their form who is going to stop them?

Chris Henry
Former Ireland flanker on BBC Radio Ulster

To win a game in the Six Nations like that against a really good side is right up there. At half-time we said Ireland have to fix the reckless kicking game, which they did. Some of the players' game management was outstanding. James Lowe put in a banana kick at one point and Hugo Keenan a 50:22 - I think that was the difference.

The French team just looked tired in that second half, especially the last 20 minutes. Yet Ireland, despite being fatigued, their decision making in the final 20 minutes was just so, so good. Realistically, if this isn't for a Grand Slam now it is a failure. They need to go on and win this outright. They have the team on form to do this.

Image source, Getty Images

"Aerial acrobatic brilliance" it most certainly was from James Lowe - but did the Ireland wing's foot touch the ground when it went over the line before he put the ball down?

This was the big talking point of the first half. It went to the video ref who deemed the try to be ok.

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton was forced off injured in the second half - but just look at the smile on his face at full-time.

Image source, Getty Images

More from Andy Farrell, speaking to ITV: "It was two great teams going at it with the French going for an unbeaten record and us going for the home record. At the end of the day it is a victory in a competition that we want to do well at.

"We will look at that performance. I am happy with the fight and spirit that we had, it was astonishing at times especially in that last 10 minutes. Garry Ringrose's try when he was dead on his feet and Bundee Aki dropping on loose balls, with James Ryan getting off the floor to keep taking the ball in for for us."

Image source, Getty Images

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell speaking on ITV:

"It was a huge game, two great teams going at each other. It is a victory in a competition that we want to do well in. The fighting spirit was great but we also played some great stuff. I think we could have come away with a few more points but we won't be greedy because we got the bonus point.

"They are a world-class side but we expected to go out there, perform and win. I'm sure there will be many battles down the line as well."

Eddie O'Sullivan
Former Ireland coach on BBC Radio Ulster

That was a world-class performance from Ireland. When you are number one in the world the expectation is to deliver a world-class performance and that was that. The number two side in the world couldn't break Ireland down there at times and gave up.

Thomas Ramos going for the drop-kick was the white flag to say they weren't going to break Ireland down. Tactically Ireland were superb, especially in the final quarter.

Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan on ITV: "It's hard to sum it up in one word. The French are an incredible side and it showed out there as we had to work for the whole 80 minutes. Our fast start was important and then our bench came on and made a big difference.

It was a long time coming, it was the one we were focusing on so it was brilliant that we got it."

Image source, Getty Images

Tony Ward
Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio Ulster

What a great day to be alive for Ireland. It is not going to win a pool in a World Cup or a semi-final but a huge step in the right direction in every way today - physically, emotionally and psychologically.

Ireland deserved to win that game today, the score is reflective on the sides out there. France were in the game but that was a game won by the better team playing the better rugby.

What a contest we have witnessed in Dublin.

The first half especially was two brilliant sides going toe-to-toe and producing an outstanding game of rugby.

The pace dropped in the second half a bit, but Ireland put the squeeze on and ran out worthy winners.

Have we just watched the 2023 Six Nations champions? That remains to be seen, but it was very much job done - and then some - for Andy Farrell's men this afternoon.

Image source, Getty Images

There it is!

The full-time whistle goes and it's the favourites who have beaten the holders as Ireland win a titanic tussle in Dublin!

Image source, Getty Images

A glimmer of hope of another try for France as they go into the corner.

They want that bonus point.

France line-out close to halfway. Less than a minute left.

Ireland are not giving France a single second here.

They are swarming all over them and giving them no glimpse of hope as the seconds tick down.

Image source, Getty Images

Cheeky little grubber from Mack Hansen but Ethan Dumortier is alive to it and tidies it up.

Just over two minutes left.

Tony Ward
Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio Ulster

Last week in the game at Cardiff Andy Farrell said we got what we deserved and although Ireland have eight minutes to go, they deserve this lead.

Garry Ringrose has been superb today especially in a defensive capacity.

Antoine Dupont makes a clever break but his little chip through was a very rare poor decision from him and the move breaks down.

What have France got left?