Ireland see winning run ended as France triumph in thrilling Six Nations clash

France put themselves in pole position for Guinness Six Nations glory by ending Ireland’s nine-match winning run with a pulsating 30-24 victory in Paris

Antoine Dupont’s try just 67 seconds in set the tone for a breath-taking evening of free-flowing rugby at a raucous Stade de France.

Ireland recovered well from the early setback and converted scores from Mack Hansen, Josh Van Der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park saw them threaten to pull off a stunning comeback success.

But indiscipline ultimately proved costly for Andy Farrell’s visitors as six Melvyn Jaminet penalties, plus a second-half try from Cyril Baille, helped Les Bleus take a giant step towards a first title since 2010.

A huge effort but we fall just short.

Thanks for all the support in Paris!#TeamOfUs | #FRAvIRE pic.twitter.com/MJJgSAFKO9

Ireland arrived in the French capital having not been beaten since suffering defeat to France on this weekend last year but without the services of injured skipper Johnny Sexton.

Joey Carbery filled in at fly-half to make his first Six Nations start, while lock James Ryan took on the captaincy.

Both sides began the tournament with bonus-point wins and pre-match talk was dominated by this being a potential early title decider.

While no Six Nations championship is won in round two, the game certainly lived up to the hype, launched by a breathless opening 10 minutes in which France flew out of the blocks.

Roared on by a passionate home crowd, live-wire Dupont dived over following a huge carry from Uini Atonio and fine offload from Romain Ntamack, with a conversion and penalty from Jaminet swiftly stretching the scoreboard to 10-0.

But Fabien Galthie’s hosts had no chance to enjoy their early cushion as Ireland immediately hit