France, March 8 -- 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.

After absorbing early home pressure, the visitors opened the scoring after 20 minutes. Louis Bielle-Biarrey scoredhis sixth try of the competition going over the line in the corner on the left wing. Thomas Ramos failed to add the two points for the conversion.

Following Dupont's departure, both teams swapped penalties before Sam Prendergast added another for Ireland. The visitors went in at half-time 8-6 up

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