France can only watch as Irish put on a show

THIS was meant to be a tight, hard-fought match between the two strongest teams in Europe by some distance. 

- PAUL REES

It turned into something of a blow-out as Ireland, confident, organised, efficient, ruthless and skilful, overwhelmed a French side that looked as if they were still getting over their World Cup failure, groping their way through a mist of tears.

Ireland broke their record for the number of points scored in the fixture in securing a try bonus point and leaving their rivals for the title with nothing. France were robbed of their self-respect in the most galling defeat of the Fabien Galthie era, so annihilated tactically that the only difference the dismissal of Paul Willemse made was to the margin of defeat.

France were floundering and panicking when the second row was on the pitch. His dismissal for a second yellow card that was upgraded to red after a bunker review sobered them up for the final minutes of the opening half, but for the most part they looked like the team Galthie inherited, a group of talented individuals that had nothing binding them together.

Much was made before the match about the impact the absence of Antoine Dupont would have, but there was little the scrumhalf could have done as France’s forward barrier was breached time and again. His replacement, Maxime Lucu, was rushed into making decisions as Ireland contested everything.

France lacked shape and smoothness in attack, unable to breach the great green wall. Home advantage counted for little as runners found themselves ushered up dead ends and isolated. Their defence was broken easily as Ireland recycled the ball quickly and throughout there was only one side that looked like title contenders.

Galthie talked afterwards about the race for the top being far from run, but if they produce a similar performance at Murrayfield this weekend it will be for his side.