Bielle-Biarrey stars as France outplay Ireland to lay down a Six Nations marker

France 36-14 Ireland
Bielle-Biarrey scores twice in dazzling display

The Six Nations is under way and already a couple of things are crystal clear. It is going to take a seriously good team to beat France in Paris in this year’s championship and watching them attack is already a genuine treat. Ireland were not so much beaten as outplayed by opponents who will be even more dangerous with a dry ball at their disposal.

Never mind the argument about brief in-game adverts during ITV’s coverage. Irish fans would probably have preferred a total 80-minute blackout or, failing that, an entire evening of cookery programming. Instead those back at home had to watch the visitors being repeatedly sliced and diced by apparently ravenous hosts. Talk about eating your greens.