France's hand replaced Ireland's on the Six Nations rugby trophy after a momentous 42-27 win at Aviva Stadium on Saturday. France decisively took over the lead of the championship with a bonus-point victory and can clinch its first title since 2022 in the final round at home next Saturday when it hosts Scotland.

DUBLIN -- France replaced Ireland's hand on the Six Nations rugby trophy after a momentous 42-27 win at Aviva Stadium on Saturday. France decisively took over the lead of the championship with a bonus-point victory and can clinch its first title since 2022 in the final round at home next Saturday when it hosts Scotland.

There are just three fixtures of the 2025 Six Nations remaining and the title race has taken shape with three teams still harbouring ambitions of lifting the trophy on 15 March. France’s emphatic win over Ireland establishes Fabien Galthie’s side as favourites for the title,

France will try to win the Six Nations without its talisman after captain Antoine Dupont ruptured cruciate ligaments in his right knee at the weekend.