Ireland's rugby teams have made a formidable start in the Six Nations 2024, with both the senior and U20 teams securing victories against France. The senior team, led by newly-appointed captain Peter O'Mahony, demonstrated their prowess with a historic 38-17 bonus-point win over the 14-man French team in Marseille, marking Ireland's best away win against France since a 7-point victory in 1948. This win sets Ireland up for a shot at their second consecutive Grand Slam. Jack Crowley's performance was particularly noteworthy as he stepped up as Johnny Sexton's successor, in a match where France was missing key player Antoine Dupont. Meanwhile, the Ireland U20s also triumphed against France with a close 37-31 win, showcasing the talents of players like Hugh Gavin and Jack Murphy, who was perfect with his goal-kicking. These wins have set Ireland up with strong momentum in their bid to defend their Six Nations title.
"That's what you want from your outhalf, you want to be led by someone you want to get behind and he's certainly that character." Ian Madigan on the hugely promising Jack Murphy after that display tonight. #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/e1Xt0xtMmC
A couple of play insights from Irelands win over France. Can they go on to win the Six Nations 2024? #sagerugby #rugby #fravire https://t.co/MjmJ12qXNV
7/7 with his goal-kicking tonight. ๐ Jack Murphy speaks to @TommyMartinVM after a brilliant performance tonight. ๐ฏ #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/K9iaJLW5pi
๐ฃ "What a game of rugby!" Ireland U20 head coach Richie Murphy extremely proud when speaking to @TommyMartinVM after that win in France. #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/IZLjVLWSQ8
Ireland claim brilliant win in France to start Six Nations U20 campaign in style https://t.co/brtw8HjnVL
"The progression of this team has been unbelievable!" Hugh Gavin speaking after that brilliant Player of the Match performance tonight! #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/vR2IyzxKbR
So much to admire about that young Irish team tonight. Fiona Hayes and Ian Madigan discuss it here. #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/yZw6SP2oxv
"I couldn't be any prouder of the lads than I am today!" Ireland U20 captain Evan O'Connell speaking to Tommy after that incredible win. #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/RZbM8sgf9D
Full-time scenes from the Aix-en-Provence as Ireland beat France in what was a phenomenal game in the U20 Six Nations Championship! ๐ซ๐ท 31-37 โ๏ธ #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/hroQMx9Y7x
๐ช๐๐๐ง ๐ ๐ช๐๐ก ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ก๐! ๐ข An incredible performance away to a seriously talented French side! Richie Murphy looks like he has another special group of players on his hands in this competition! ๐ซ๐ท 31-37 โ๏ธ #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/W5XPglOEF1
Incredible win for the Irish 20s away to France. So many young players standing up. Ice in Jack Murphy's veins to kick the winning penalty. #FRAvIRE
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐! ๐ฅถ Ireland lead by three with minutes remaining! ๐ซ๐ท 31-34 โ๏ธ #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/EgQxIHk0sf
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐! He's been excellent in this game and now he's got his try! Ireland back in front! ๐ซ๐ท 21-24 โ๏ธ #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/TkrTZNhOz9
Switch on this France-Ireland 20s game if you get the chance. End to end tries. Fantastic match. Both teams playing at 100 miles per hour. #FRAvIRE
Jack Murphy kicks Ireland back into the lead with the final play of the first half! This has been a cracking watch so far! ๐ซ๐ท 14-14 โ๏ธ #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/149yxWczlc
The explosiveness of these 20s players is something else. France and Ireland throwing everything at eachother. #FRAvIRE
Huge chance for Ireland! Brilliant from Hugh Gavin to open it up. Ben O'Connor should really pass to Hugo McLaughlin but he takes a tackle and knocks it forward... #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/LW4LP851eX
๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐! Danny Sheahan gets over off a lineout maul! Great power from the young Irish side! #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 | @dansheahan123 https://t.co/3XmHPjfEmS
"In France they get them out into the first teams much younger than what you'd see in Ireland." Ian Madigan on the talent in this French side tonight. #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/aP8PR6E0Ej
"The seniors were incredible last night. They set a really high example that we're hoping to emulate tonight." Richie Murphy speaking to @TommyMartinVM pre-match in Aix-en-Provence. #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/fV4IlaGHpv
The Ireland U20 squad arrive at the Stade Maurice David! We're live from 7.30pm on Virgin Media Two. #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/NkZd6QD4T3
It's Match Day for our Ireland U20s as they open their Six Nations campaign in France! ๐ข #FutureIsGreen https://t.co/n8CC2nFf0R
๐ The Stade Maurice David. Join us from 7.30pm on Virgin Media Two for France v Ireland in the U20 Six Nations! #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/EexKJPKI08
Ireland begin their quest for a third U20s Grand Slam in a row tonight in the south of France! We're live from 7.30pm on Virgin Media Two! #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/fdMHQU6tMb
Six Nations 2024 is underway! @itvrugby ๐ฎ๐น v ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟย @SixNationsRugby @itv @englandrugby #GuinnessM6N https://t.co/Vq17I9y7iy
The Ireland U20s will be looking to emulate the senior side tonight when they take on France @DaveMcIntyreIRL & @AlanQuinlan1 are on commentary duty once again at the Stade Maurice David and preview the game here! The game is live on VM2 from 7.30pm. #FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 https://t.co/k8xyV2opBA
๐ฃ๏ธ โI donโt think it gets any better really.โ #GuinnessM6N โ๏ธ Peter O'Mahony revelled in Ireland's victory over France. #FRAvIRE https://t.co/cJ56jOzCN6
๐ฃ๏ธ @BrianODriscoll "When you've got a barnet like that, you have to play well!" How good was Joe McCarthy in Ireland's record-breaking win against France last night ๐ #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/mJnqyu687V
Irelandโs lineout creaked at the RWC but full credit to Paul OโConnell and the @IrishRugby forwards last night it was brilliant. Quality ball and two maul tries ๐๐#FRAvIRE https://t.co/M2T9kvsQq3
Six Nations 2024: 'Ireland lay down marker with stunning win over France' https://t.co/e89bxDG9uE
Well played Ireland You were superb You dominated the lineouts Big Joe and Captain Pete breasted the French pack with physicality The backs kept their width #FRAIRL
"It was absolutely incredible the performance from the Irish team, it was fantastic." - France defence coach Shaun Edwards. #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/01YBePoFac
Andy Farrell hailed Irelandโs ruthlessness and composure after their @SixNationsRugby title defence was launched with a record-breaking five-try demolition of 14-man France https://t.co/PxUotlOlWx
๐ช A strong first Six Nations start from Jack Crowley. Read our Ireland player ratings ๐ https://t.co/NQEsEESG9x #GuinnessM6N #FRAvIRE https://t.co/2zXhrVq6wl
Head coach Andy Farrell said Ireland's thrashing of France gave them invaluable momentum in their bid to defend their Six Nations title. https://t.co/OoMKdGMtp9
France 17 โ 38 Ireland: Six Nations 2024 opener โ as it happened https://t.co/3NxYa2xUG6
Solid Ireland crush 14-man France in Six Nations opener https://t.co/CZ66nzKSW7 https://t.co/d9oGQwFXZk
Ireland's best ever away win against France! ๐ And it was Gibson-Park's try which kick-started it all. #BBCRugby #SixNations https://t.co/6WX0LQYqQe
REPORT: Ireland ruthlessly capitalised on the absence of Antoine Dupont to launch their Guinness Six Nations title defence with a stunning bonus-point demolition of 14-man France. #FRAvIRE #sixnations https://t.co/igY7MHtoQa
"We said Ireland had to keep the scoreboard ticking over, but that was ridiculous!" Matt Williams gives his post-match reaction to that brilliant Irish performance at the Stade Velodrome. #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/ShcZ96aIzD
A tidal green wave swamps France. Terrific from Ireland, inspiring performances all round most notably from Joe McCarthy and Jack Crowley. Three of their four remaining matches in Dublin. Another Grand Slam? https://t.co/gfsPuNecHL
Shane Horgan, Andrew Trimble and Rob Kearney discuss Jack Crowley's performance tonight. #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/2LinIY53Ou
REPORT: Ireland ruthlessly capitalised on the absence of Antonie Dupont to launch their Guinness Six Nations title defence with a stunning bonus-point demolition of 14-man France. #FRAvIRE #sixnations https://t.co/igY7MHtoQa
21 - @IrishRugby's 21-point win v France was their 2nd biggest against Les Bleus (24-0 in 1913) while it was France's heaviest home defeat in the Five or Six Nations since 1914 (13-39 v England). Commanding. #FRAvIRE https://t.co/yVkNQGKtWz
๐ค "This whole game is about taking opportunities and more often than not tonight, we did that." ๐ Newly-appointed captain Peter O'Mahony speaks to @gabrielclarke05 after Ireland's historic win against France. #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/Fm8nLLiVBU
France 17 Ireland 38 Ireland demonstrated emphatically that there is life after Johnny Sexton with a stunning bonus-point victory, one that sets them up for a tilt at consecutive grand slams โฌ๏ธ Tap below | โ๏ธ @petersuntimes https://t.co/nhR6up54I0
Excellent control from McCarthy and Doris at the front of this maul to peel left and slip off 4 French defenders. The lineout was such a strong platform for Ireland tonight. #FRAvIRE https://t.co/0NcqfhAfVI
Excellent control from McCarthy at the front of this maul to peel left and slip off 4 French defenders. The lineout such a strong platform for Ireland tonight. #FRAvIRE https://t.co/Pll2pOvXbp
A statement start to this Six Nations from Ireland. #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/SPQ8Mu6VA0
Ireland dominates the rugby world tonight. Truly fantastic win for them away in France. This game delivered on a promise. With rugby being on such a massive high with the World Cup, the documentaries, rebranded tournaments etc It truly is a blessing to be alive as a fan right now
Six Nations 2024: France 17-38 Ireland - Irish claim bonus-point win over 14-man hosts in Marseille https://t.co/igSsQ5bzqe
Full-time scenes at the Stade Velodrome as Ireland dominate France in Marseille! Reaction from Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/VCwxrCpA0n
What a performance from Ireland against 14 man France in Marseille. Can Andy Farrellโs side go back to back? #FRAvIRE https://t.co/FrdPxQr0F6
Previous biggest Ireland away win v France was by 7 points in 1948
Record Ireland score v France (all venues)
Massive game from Joe McCarthy tonight on his 6 Nations debut. Bristling with physicality. Looks completely at home at test level. #FRAvIRE
61: Dan Sheehan gets Ireland's fourth try! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/ZMY6MY5NWT
Congratulations to Ireland - The 2024 Six Nations Champions. Back-to-back Grand Slams! #GuinnessSixNations
Should this French try have been awarded? #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/b0d9omWtGV
52: France get their second try! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/hWSWRJvZE0
Jack. ๐ฏ #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/hELLKcI20A
HT in Marseille. Ireland lead, France down to 14, but it's very much alive. #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/KR4k4hJPoP
๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ช๐! ๐ซ๐ท France are right back in this now! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/ePYtVS81RY
40: France have their first try! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/6WgRoLOXZu
29: Ireland get their second try! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/tv7joaiuJv
Such a strong start for Ireland! ๐ ๐ฒ Follow live on the @BBCSport website and app, and listen on @BBCSounds #BBCRugby #SixNations https://t.co/rIqvziQBrx
Brilliant try @IrishRugby Aki so destructive. Slight dog leg in France defence.
WHAT A SCORE FROM IRELAND. FRANCE SHELL-SHOCKED IN MARSEILLE! #GuinnessSixNations
Jack Crowley kicks Ireland into the lead! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/WH2X3tXAVQ
"Everything is pointing to a French win, BUT..." #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/9UvNOkuCU5
Ireland doing their warm-up in Marseille! โ๏ธ #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/JlrrEhdRK0
โ๏ธ Live Updates ๐งฎ Stats ๐ฃ๏ธ Reaction & More #GuinnessSixNations #FRAvIRE
๐๐๐ฏ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐๐ฒ! Tell us who you think will win this year's Six Nations Championship! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/3tGPt1saX2
If for some reason you don't fancy France v Ireland on Virgin Media One, we've got Italy v England in the U20 Six Nations on Virgin Media More! #U6N20 https://t.co/PFTOFRDKGR
France ๐ Ireland ๐ 8pm GMT ๐๏ธ Stade Velodrome A colossal clash between the last two Grand Slam winners kicks off the 2024 Six Nations in Marseille tonight! LIVE: https://t.co/eWRgCNgnXG #FRAvIRE | #SixNations https://t.co/iUMAhqsso2
Not long to go now! โณ @MattRCNM is at the Stade Vรฉlodrome and joined Fionnuala and Katja on the @SixOClockShow to build up to France v Ireland! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/J2x6ODljnQ
France v Ireland - quite a decent opener for the 6 Nations.
โ๏ธ A reminder of the last time Ireland beat France away from homeโฆ Sexton magic. #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/AIcnpIvXqx
It's almost match time in Marseille! @TommyMartinVM is in position at the Stรกde Velodrome building up to a huge start to this Six Nations Championship! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/V3kdryfKwj
Not long now #FRAvIRE #FRAvIRL #NeFaisonsXV #SixNationsRugby #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/SYtsPZhg0C
Happy #SixNations Day! ๐๐ @bbc5live, Sports Extra & @BBCSounds will have live commentary of ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ game. It all starts tonight in Marseille with 2022 champions, France taking on last year's Grand Slam winners, Ireland ๐คฉ ๐ฒ https://t.co/NI1sjtGRxI #BBCRugby #FRAvIRE https://t.co/uXflXGKoym
๐ A MASSIVE day for Jack Crowley. Will the fly-half cement his position as Johnny Sexton's successor? #FRAvIRE #GuinnessM6N https://t.co/mU2KwXkQ06
So...Who wins the Guinness Men's Six Nations in 2024 then? ๐ #GuinessMensSixNations
The Irish have made it to Marseille! โ๏ธ @TommyMartinVM was out and about this afternoon to get some predictions for tonight! #FRAvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations https://t.co/RBDyyfyxkj
Matchday in Marseille @TommyMartinVM & @AlanQuinlan1 in the stadium early to discuss the big game. France v Ireland live on Virgin Media One from 7pm #VMTVRugby #FRAIRE https://t.co/SMaN773B9K
Huge match in Marseille tonight as France & Ireland look to put their QF hurt behind them. Whoโs taking this one? #FRAvIRE https://t.co/k8vEGKzTiO
Six Nations 2024: Favourites France & Ireland renew rivalry in unmissable tournament opener https://t.co/og5PYBOGiD
Six Nations 2024 predictions: our writers on who will win and why https://t.co/riYhwvoM2d