France, March 18 -- France brushed past Wales 41-28 on Saturday afternoon to maintain their slender chance of retaining their Six Nations title. Fabien Galthie's men, who won all five of their encounters in 2022, pinned their hopes on England - on whom they inflicted their heaviest home defeat - beating Ireland in Dublin on Saturday evening

It started well for England - and France. Two Owen Farrell penalties put the visitors to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin ahead. But Ireland hit back to lead 10-6.

England's chances appeared to have disappeared when Freddie Stewart was sent off on the cusp of half-time.

But early in the second-half, they drew to within a point of Ireland at 10-9 before the hosts pulled away to secure a 29-16 victory and ...