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.
