Ireland vs France LIVE rugby: Result and reaction from Six Nations after extraordinary result in title decider

France overcame the injury loss of Antoine Dupont to blow open the Six Nations title race by extinguishing Ireland’s grand slam dream with a crushing 42-27 win in Dublin.

Les Bleus captain Dupont - arguably the world's best player - limped from the field in the 29th minute of an engrossing showdown at a sold-out Aviva Stadium.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey's early try helped the French into an 8-6 half-time lead before Dan Sheehan's score shifted the momentum in Ireland's favour just after the restart.

But the hosts were blitzed during a breathtaking second half as Fabien Galthie's side ruthlessly wrestled top spot in the championship table going into next week's final round.

Bielle-Biarrey, the tournament's top try scorer, took his tally to seven with a sensational finish before Paul Boudehent, Oscar Jegou and the diving Damian Penaud completed the demolition job, adding to 17 points from full-back Thomas Ramos.

“I have to say France had a defensive masterclass as well. Not only their ability to be able to read off but they're actually firing to the tackle.

“Shaun Edwards, the defensive coach, will be thrilled with that output.”

France wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey, speaking to ITV: "The secret was to play the whole 80 minutes with all of the intensity that we have.

“We know they have a very good and fit team. I think we did a good job."

"Losing Antoine was not in the strategy of the game. Max Lucu is a very good player and we didn't worry.

"I got good ball to play. It's my job to finish the tries and I tried to do my best.”

"I think that middle section of the second half we didn't control well enough.

"There was some ill discipline and back-to-back penalties. They played their power game.

"They got a bit of momentum and when we get tight defensively, they can spread it wide and score which is what happened two or three times.

"We have got to go and make it right next week and that is the plan now."

That puts France in a strong position to claim the Six Nations title next week against Scotland. They are two points ahead of Ireland at the top.

Ireland will be disappointed that they didn’t secure their Grand Slam hopes.

Hugo Keenan secures a strong 50/22.

Jack Conan adds the bonus point try on his 50th cap. Prendergast completes the conversion, but it’s all too late for Ireland here in Dublin.

Ireland respond as Cian Healy signs off with a try.

Ireland are awarded a penalty as Meafou plays half-back.

Healy drives over from close range and Prendergast adds the conversion.

Damian Penaud dives for glory!

Ireland take it quickly and the pass is stolen by Ramos and off-loaded to Penaud, who speeds away, straight down the pitch.

Flament is sent to the sin-bin.

A deliberate knock-on from Paul Boudehent.

It’s a penalty and Ireland win the throw. Conor Murray is brought over the line, but it’s help-up.

Can Ireland get something for the centurions?