France started their Six Nations title defence with a 36-14 victory over Ireland at the Stade de France.

A ruthless first-half performance in front of the Paris crowd saw them take a 22-0 lead into the break, and it proved too much for Ireland to turn around, despite the holders slowing down in the second period.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey opened the scoring in the 14th minute before fly-half Matthieu Jaibert continued France's strong start with another try soon after, while Charles Ollivon also crossed before half-time.

France looked to be on their way to an even bigger win when Bielle-Biarrey scored again seven minutes into the second half, securing their four-try bonus in the process.

However, replacements Nick Timoney and Michael Milne both crossed the line to get Ireland on the board, and within a chance of an unlikely comeback against the reigning champions.

Nevertheless, Theo Attissogbe scored the final try in the first minute of stoppage time, getting France's campaign off to a strong start on home soil.

22 - Ireland's 22-point loss against France (36-14) is their largest Men's Six Nations defeat since February 2010, also against France (10-33). Sobering. pic.twitter.com/MPJQqwnO1T

— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) February 5, 2026

Data Debrief: Deja vu for Ireland

Bielle-Biarrey's opening try against Ireland was his 10th in the Men's Six Nations in just his 10th appearance, the joint quickest player to reach 10 tries in the Championship, alongside Will Greenwood.

Meanwhile, Ireland's 22-point loss against France (36-14) is their largest men's Six Nations defeat since February 2010, also against France (10-33).

Their half-time deficit of 22 points was also their biggest after 40 minutes in a men's Six Nations game since 2006, again coming against France (3-29).