France 17 – 38 Ireland
Jamison Gibson-Park, Tadhg Beirne, Calvin Nash, Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher score tries as Ireland win big vs France on opening Six Nations Friday at Stade Velodrome in Marseille; Jack Crowley kicked all five conversions and penalty; France’s Paul Willemse red carded for two yellows
By Michael Cantillon
Last Updated: 02/02/24 10:03pm
Ireland produced a magnificent display in Marseille to claim a bonus-point win over France
Ireland began life in the post-Johnny Sexton era in ideal fashion as a terrific Six Nations performance saw them to a bonus-point 38-17 victory over France in Marseille.
Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, lock Tadhg Beirne, wing Calvin Nash, hooker Dan Sheehan and replacement hooker Ronan Kelleher scored tries at the Stade Velodrome against a French side who saw lock Paul Willemse shown red during the first half for two yellow cards – both high tackles.
Ireland fly-half Jack Crowley, 24, started nervously but grew in confidence and into the contest, kicking one penalty and five exquisite conversions, while also producing a gorgeous try assist for Beirne.
Ireland – Tries: Gibson-Park (16), Beirne (30), Nash (46), Sheehan (62), Kelleher (78). Cons: Crowley (18, 31, 47, 63, 79). Pens: Crowley (7).
France – Tries: Penaud (40), Gabrillagues (53). ConsL Ramos (42, 53). Pens: Ramos (27).
Damian Penaud and lock Paul Gabrillagues scored France’s tries, who continued to fight hard and never appeared truly out of it – Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony was sin-binned in the second half with the gap seven points – but they ultimately had to swallow a home defeat.
For Ireland it was a record points total and winning margin in France and begins their Six Nations title defence in perfect style.
What’s next?
Ireland are in action next Sunday, February 11 for the second round of the championship, hosting Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (3pm kick-off GMT).
Ireland’s Six Nations 2024 fixtures
| Friday, February 2 | France 17-38 Ireland | 8pm |
| Sunday, February 11 | Ireland vs Italy | 3pm |
| Saturday, February 24 | Ireland vs Wales | 2.15pm |
| Saturday, March 9 | England vs Ireland | 4.45pm |
| Saturday, March 16 | Ireland vs Scotland | 4.45pm |
France travel to face Scotland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh next Saturday, February 10 (2.15pm kick-off GMT), in Round 2 of the Six Nations.
France’s Six Nations 2024 fixtures
| Friday, February 2 | France 17-38 Ireland | 8pm |
| Saturday, February 10 | Scotland vs France | 2.15pm |
| Sunday, February 25 | France vs Italy | 3pm |
| Sunday, March 10 | Wales vs France | 3pm |
| Saturday, March 16 | France vs England | 8pm |
More to follow…
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