France’s Damian Penaud, left, breaks away from Ireland’s Sam Prendergast, to score a try during the Six Nations rugby union match between Ireland and France, at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

France moved into pole position for the Six Nations title on Saturday, withstanding an early Antoine Dupont injury to thrash Ireland 42-27 with a blistering second half that dealt a likely fatal blow to the hosts' hopes of a record third title in a row.

France's star scrum-half Antoine Dupont was forced out of his team's crucial Six Nations game against Ireland after sustaining an injury in the first half at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.