Ireland rallied in the second half but a dazzling French performance before the interval proved decisive for Les Bleus in a 36-14 win in the Six Nations opener

If a talented Les Bleus click, the results could be spectacular against a much-changed Ireland with umpteen tricky questions to answer

Minute-by-minute report: Join Lee Calvert for updates as two heavyweights meet in the Six Nations opener in Paris

Ruthless France inflict more pain on Ireland as the Six Nations holders open their title defence with a bonus-point victory at a buoyant Stade de France.

Ireland rallied in the second half but a dazzling French performance before the interval proved decisive for Les Bleus in a 36-14 win in the Six Nations opener

Ireland's heavy defeat by France to open the Six Nations will only further press questions raised by a lacklustre autumn.

Ireland face one of the most difficult periods of soul-searching under Andy Farrell after falling to a vastly superior France in Thursday's Six Nations opener.

The French, buoyed by the return of Antoine Dupont, convincingly defeated the Irish at the Stade de France (36-14). They have launched their title defense with panache.