Michael Cantillon
Sports journalist
Louis Bielle-Biarrei (two), Matthieu Jalibert, Charles Ollivon and Theo Attissogbe all score as France secure a comfortable win over Ireland on the opening night of the Six Nations; Andy Farrell’s visitors were abysmal in the first 50 minutes and fell 29-0 behind before pulling back
Last updated: 26/05/2020 22:40
Louis Bielle-Biarrei (right) scored twice as Antoine Dupont (left) made his Test return in victory over Ireland in Paris
France got their Six Nations title defense off to a flying start as they dumped woeful Ireland on the line with a 36-14 victory at the Stade de France in Paris.
Les Bleus scored four tries through winger Louis Biel-Billare (two), scrum-half Mathieu Jaliber and set-piece Charles Olivon to sprint into a stunning 29-0 run – full-back Tomas Ramos adding three conversions and a penalty. Winger Theo Atisogbe added five in the final play of the match.
Ireland responded with tries from substitutes Nick Timony and Michael Milne – both of Antoine Dupont’s sides thankfully avoided being sin-binned for a tackle – but Andy Farrell’s charges failed to add much more, paying for a dreadful opening 50 minutes.
France – Attempt: Biel-Bijare (13.47), Jaliber (22), Olivon (34), Atisogbe (80+1). Cons: Branches (14, 35, 48, 80+1). Pens: Ramos (28).
Ireland – Tries: Timoni (59), Milne (62). Against: S Prendergast (59, 62).
Sam Prendergast and Ireland struggled in Paris in general
France were almost done for a try in the second minute when Bielle-Biarrei showed great skill down the left to create space and shoot forward, but Ollivon knocked when he slid across the greasy surface with the try seemingly at his mercy.
Jamie Osborne’s 50-22 stunner put Ireland on the attack in response, but their early run was ended when Sam Prendergast tried a reckless clearance off the deck, which was pounced on by flanker Josh van der Flier.
A neat pass from Prendergast on the wing to Tommy O’Brien created Ireland’s next promising opening, but the ball didn’t land kindly when it was kicked forward.
In the 13th minute, France’s opener arrived when Bielle-Biarrei struck ruthlessly, skipping the tackles of Jamieson Gibson-Park and Prendergast and finishing down the left.
Bielle-Biarrei’s pace and skill saw him race for the first try of the Test
Ramos converted for a full catch and nine minutes later France had their second as after a flurry of attacks – and a missed neck throw to Cian Prendergast at the breakdown – Sam Prendergast intercepted Nicolas Deportere’s pass to stop a certain try but then returned it across his own try line for France’s five-metre attack.
As the scrum moved to the right, Jalibert pounced with a halved Prendergast who was unable to make an impact in defence.
Mathieu Jaliber dived over for France’s second try
A blunder from Ireland locking down Joe McCarthy in defense to take a cheap penalty saw Ramos stretch things to 15-0 and the Frenchman’s third try came soon after when Locke Michel Guiard partnered Olivon to score, after good work from Jaliberto and Jean-Baptiste Gross earlier in the attack.
When Ramos converted it was a terrifying 22-0 at half-time, and things only got worse early in the second period when Bielle-Biarrei scored his second, following clever chips from Dupont and Ramos.
When Bielle-Biarrey scored his second and fourth French goals early in the second half, the lead was 29-0
The visitors at least made sure they wouldn’t be undone when substitute Timonei managed to pounce on Stuart McCloskey’s lovely play for a try in the 59th minute.
Dupont was extremely lucky to avoid a yellow card for a deliberate tackle soon after and Ireland scored a second try through prop Milne to cut the deficit to 29-14.
Substitute back-row Nick Timoney scored one of Ireland’s two tries as they responded somewhat in the second half
Ireland thought they might have a third try in the last 10 minutes through Ronan Kelleher’s hook, but the TMO ruled out a score for a Caelan Doris knock-on when he was on the ground, while also dealing with a potential free-handed effort from Peato Mauvaka.
Instead, France would have the last word as they sprung into life after 80 minutes through Halibert and Atisogbe just stayed in the box to score.
Farrell questions Ireland’s fight and intensity – ‘this loss has to mean something’
Ireland coach Andy Farrell speaking to ITV:
“There’s a lot going through our heads. Obviously we’re very disappointed – that’s something I never thought I’d say about this Irish team.”
“Lack of intensity in the first half, missed tackles, not winning on the floor or aerial contests… you won’t win an international game with that approach, let alone Paris.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell ended the very disappointed figure after the match
“Showing fight and character is what we needed. Fair play to the subs, they gave us a bit of a boost. But reacting too late is not the way we want to operate. They played well, got off to a great start and we didn’t.
“France were outstanding at times, with the athletes and the strength they have. It’s hard to live with their ability to offload in these conditions – it looked like they were playing a different game in phases.
“This result is not good for us, but it has to mean something. We are a fair group and we will make sure we use this in the right way.”
Ireland captain Caelan Doris speaking to ITV:
“We left ourselves too high a mountain to climb. We were passive defensively – 19 missed tackles – which allowed their attacking play to flourish. We couldn’t find our feet in the first 30 minutes.”
“The bench made a good impact and helped us get back into the game and there was some grit and determination in the second half. But overall it was a very disappointing way to start the match.”
Edwards: Bielle-Biarrei world-class superstar
French defense coach Sean Edwards in an interview with ITV:
“He (Bielle-Biarrei) is getting better. Do you know why? He wants to get better.
“His attitude is fantastic, he’s got all the talent in the world. He’s a world-class superstar.”
“We are very happy. I thought the attack in the first half was fantastic. We dominated possession and territory, which is very unusual against Ireland.
“When we’re on the attack, it’s a pleasure to watch.”
What’s next?
Ireland next meet Italy in Round 2 of the Six Nations on Saturday 14 February at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (kick-off 2.10pm).
France travel to face Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff for their second Six Nations match on Sunday February 15 (kick-off 3.10pm).