Sometimes games don't live up to expectations, other times they exceed them.Billed as a blockbusting battle of the world’s top two teams, Ireland and France served up a ferocious Guinness Six Nations battle in front of 51,000 boisterous fans in Dublin 4.French supporters came in huge numbers and contributed massively to a game played in an electric atmosphere.And on the field the players delivered, the bonus-point win, Ireland’s 22nd in their last 23 games, was Ireland’s first victory over France in four seasons and their first under head coach Andy Farrell.That they recorded a fully deserved 13-point win minus regulars Jamison Gibson-Park, Robbie Henshaw, Tadhg Furlong and Dan Sheehan, and saw out the game with Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony off the pitch, will be the most satisfying aspect for the coach.In a World Cup year, this performance will do nothing to dispel the gathering expectations around the side.But first things first – after seeing off a star-studded French team, who themselves were on a record 14-man winning streak, Ireland will sense a Grand Slam, with trips to Rome and Murrayfield coming before a home finale against England.More to follow...Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Conor Murray; Andrew Porter, Rob Herring, Finlay Bealham; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Tom O'Toole, Iain Henderson, Jack Conan, Craig Casey, Ross Byrne, Bundee Aki.France: Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Ethan Dumortier; Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont (capt); Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Uini Atonio; Thibaud Flament, Paul Willemse;