DUBLIN - A disappointed Ireland rued not taking first-half chances, as well as losing their discipline and being outmuscled in 28 blistering second-half minutes when 34 unanswered French points crushed their Grand Slam dreams on Saturday.

France thrashed Ireland 42-27 on Saturday afternoon in Dublin to take command of the 2025 Six Nations championships. The victory – France's biggest in Dublin – was all the more impressive as it was achieved without skipper Antoine Dupont who left the field late in the first-half with his side leading 5-0.