Ireland cemented their status as the number one ranked side in the world with an impressive 32-19 victory over France in a Six Nations clash in Dublin that will go down as an instant classic.
The reigning champions sit second in World Rugby's men's rankings, but they were ultimately no match for the Irish in a breathless match that had just about everything. The victory now sets up Andy Farrell's side as heavy favourites for the tournament, while cementing their credentials as World Cup contenders later on this year.
The match had long been built up as a championship decider, even though it fell in just the second weekend of the tournament, but it more than lived up to its billing as it provided as entertaining an encounter as Test rugby has seen in a very long time.
READ MORE: Antoine Dupont defies physics with insane try-saving tackle
READ MORE: Ireland star produces one of the greatest finishes you'll ever see as commentators wowed
France took the lead through an early penalty, before Ireland hit the lead with a stunningly-worked move that saw prop Finlay Bealham pull back a pass towards the fringes of the ruck, allowing full-back Hugo Keenan to steam through a gap. From there, he scythed in between French defenders to reach the line.
France's reply was even better. Seemingly overplaying in their own half and inviting nothing but pressure onto themselves, Damian Penaud proved why he's one of the best wings in world rugby, cutting through Ireland's initial defence before taking back a blind offload from Anthony Jelonch to race away.
The spectacular tries kept on coming, with James Lowe miraculously squeezing over in the corner after going airborne to escape Penaud's last-gasp efforts. Replays showed that it was questionable whether he remained in play, or if the scoring pass was actually backwards, but the score was given regardless.
Another questionable call by the officials saw Uini Atonio escape with just a yellow card for a high shot on Irish hooker Rob Herring. Herring would play no further part in the match after failing a HIA, but remarkably Atonio avoided a similar fate despite looking destined for a red card.
With France down to 14, Ireland extended their lead as Andrew Porter forced his way over from close range, before Johnny Sexton and Thomas Ramos swapped penalties ahead of the break.
The second half was equally breathless, even if it lacked the scintillating scores of the opening 40 minutes.
Indeed, it took 20 minutes for the scorers to be troubled again. France had appeared to be building pressure, but it was Ireland who registered the first points of the half, with Ross Byrne's penalty extending their lead.
Ramos closed the gap with a snap drop-goal minutes later, making it a one-score game once again.
However, Farrell's side showed why they are the best side in the world, controlling the last quarter by pinning France back in their half, with the pressure eventually telling.
Caelan Doris somehow got a pass away through contact out to the wing, with centre Garry Ringrose slipping out of a tackle to dive over for Ireland's bonus point score seven minutes from time to settle the contest.
READ NEXT:
The 11 stars fronting up Wales' new era as Gatland's young guns out to put down World Cup markers
Dan Biggar takes swipe at 'best team around' Scotland and insists Wales deserve more respect
