France takes over Six Nations lead after crushing Ireland 42-27 in Dublin
DUBLIN (AP) — France replaced Ireland’s hand on the Six Nations rugby trophy after a momentous 42-27 win at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
France decisively took over the lead of the championship with a bonus-point victory and can clinch its first title since 2022 in the final round at home next Saturday when Scotland will be welcomed to Paris.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes were destroyed in the fourth round for a second straight year, and its hopes of a third straight outright title, unprecedented in the tournament’s 142-year history, were probably sunk.
England was also in the title picture, barring an upset at home against Italy on Sunday, but France’s other big advantage was an extremely healthy points differential of +106, which is 93 points better than Ireland.
