Six Nations: France 30-24 Ireland - Hosts take control of championship with heavyweight win

France cemented their position as Six Nations favourites by holding off Ireland in a pulsating heavyweight encounter in Paris.

Cyril Baille responded for France before Joey Carbery's penalty reduced the Irish deficit to three.

However Melvyn Jaminet's sixth penalty helped France see out a crucial win.

Billed as a meeting between the northern hemisphere's two form sides - and favourites for this year's title - the relentlessly physical spectacle did not disappoint.

Ireland, who gave a far better account of themselves in the second half after an ill-disciplined opening 40 minutes, taste defeat for the first time in 10 matches as their 12-month winning run comes to an end against the side to have last beat them a year ago.

More to follow.

Ireland: Keenan; Conway, Ringrose, Aki, Hansen; Carbery, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong, Beirne, Ryan (c), Doris, Van der Flier, Conan.

Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, Bealham, Henderson, O'Mahony, Murray, Carty, Henshaw.

France: Jaminet; Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Villiere; Ntamack, Dupont; Baille, Marchand, Atonio, Woki, Willemse, Cros, Jelonch, Alldritt.

Replacements: Mauvaka, Gros, Bamba, Taofifenua, Flament, Cretin, Lucu, Ramos.