Ireland have kicked off their Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship campaign with an incredible performance as they began their title defence against familiar rivals France in Marseille. The Irish side secured a five try bonus point win and a record points haul against France with a dominant display at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille to kick off the Guinness Men’s Six Nations in style.
Newly-appointed captain Peter O’Mahony led a team containing three players making their first Guinness Six Nations starts. Among them, Championship debutant, Joe McCarthy, was awarded ‘player of the match’.
France lost experienced lock Paul Willemse to a 30th-minute red card, but stayed in the fight and twice closed the gap to seven points.
France lost experienced lock Paul Willemse to a 30th-minute red card, but stayed in the fight and twice closed the gap to seven points.
Ireland head coach, Andy Farrell, praised his players’ ability to deal with setbacks and come back stronger. Notably, he praised their “Composure And Intent”.
The Ireland U20s made it a weekend double to savour as they edged out their French counterparts 31-37 in a thrilling encounter at Stade Maurice David in Aix en Provence. Ireland built a 14-17 lead at halftime in a classic end to end match that saw both sides secure a try bonus.