Disciplined France overpower Ireland 33-10
Wales beat Scotland in Cardiff
A disciplined France side ended Ireland's 15-month unbeaten run with a 33-10 victory in the Six Nations championship at the Stade de France yesterday.
France scored three tries to one, dominating the scrum and holding off Irish pressure with a well-organised defence and ferocious, controlled tackling.
The Blues led 17-3 at half-time through tries from hooker William Servat and centre Yannick Jauzion, both converted by scrumhalf Morgan Parra.
Full-back Clement Poitreneaud added a third after the break and Parra converted, later adding a drop goal to go along with two penalties.
Irish flanker David Wallace scored a second-half try that was converted by flyhalf Ronan O'Gara, who also scored a first-half penalty.
A late drop goal by France substitute Frederic Michalak drove the final nail into Ireland's hopes of repeating last season's grand slam.
Also yesterday, Wales conjured two tries in the final four minutes to rescue victory from the jaws of defeat with a thrilling 31-24 win over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium.
Scotland led 18-9 at the break and had a 24-14 advantage entering the last five minutes, only to be undone by an extraordinary Welsh comeback.
Playing today: 15.30 Italy vs England.
Standings: France 4; England, Ireland, Wales 2; Scotland, Italy 0.