Ireland down France to keep alive Six Nations title hopes

Ireland kept alive their hopes of a third Six Nations title in four years when they came from behind early on to beat France in a bruising contest at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Camille Lopez scored all of France’s nine points with the boot while man-of-the-match Conor Murray crossed over for Ireland, Johnny Sexton kicked 11 points and Paddy Jackson struck a late penalty to complete a 19-9 victory for Joe Schmidt’s men.

Ireland go top of the Six Nations table ahead of Scotland who beat Wales for the first time in ten years earlier in the day.

But defending champs England host Italy at Twickenham on Sunday and are expected to return to the summit with what should be a straightforward victory.