France Stuns Ireland with Dream Debut in XV de France Match
The opening match of the 2026 Six Nations Tournament took place as France faced off against Ireland at the Stade de France. The home team, known as Les Bleus, delivered an impressive performance, securing a convincing 36-14 victory.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Final Score: France 36, Ireland 14
- Date: February 1, 2026
- Location: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
- Man of the Match: Mickaël Guillard
Match Overview
France kicked off the tournament with a strong start, leading 22-0 at halftime. The first half showcased excellent defensive strategies and potent offensive plays from the French side.
Thomas Ramos, a notable player in the match, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance but reminded that it was only the opening game. Captain Antoine Dupont highlighted the match’s completeness and successful exploitation of turnovers.
Scoring Breakdown
- First Half:
- Essai by Louis Bielle-Biarrey (13th minute)
- Essai by Matthieu Jalibert (22nd minute)
- Essai by Charles Ollivon (34th minute)
- Penalty by Thomas Ramos (28th minute)
- Second Half:
- Doubling by Bielle-Biarrey (47th minute)
- Essai by Nicolas Depoortere (76th minute)
- Ireland’s consolation tries by Timoney (59th minute) and Milne (62nd minute)
Match Statistics
| Statistic | France | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Tackles Made | 150 | 120 |
| Penalties | 1 | 5 |
Team Reaction
Mickaël Guillard, who was named man of the match, commented on the team’s physical response and preparedness. He mentioned the hard work put into their defensive strategies throughout the week.
Overall, the match marked a triumphant start for France in their quest for the 2026 Six Nations title, with hopes of building on this solid foundation as they progress through the tournament.
