France Dominates Ireland 36-14 in Six Nations 2026 Opener

February 6, 2026 11:54pm

France launches its 2026 Six Nations campaign with a decisive 36-14 win over Ireland, an encouraging start to defend their title.

Key details

• France defeated Ireland 36-14 in the Six Nations opener at Stade de France.
• Over seven million viewers watched the match alongside 80,000 rain-braving fans in the stadium.
• Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored a notable try and was a crowd favorite.
• France aims to win back-to-back titles for the first time since 2007.

France secured a commanding 36-14 victory over Ireland in the opening match of the 2026 Six Nations tournament at the Stade de France. The match, watched by over seven million viewers on France 2, saw an electric atmosphere with 80,000 supporters braving rain to cheer the home team.

The French side, current defending champions, started strongly by scoring three tries in the first half without conceding any points. Louis Bielle-Biarrey emerged as a standout player, delighting fans with a crucial try that reinforced France’s dominance.

Supporters expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the team's solid defense with one fan remarking, "We haven't conceded a try, so everything is going well so far, right?" This win marks a strong start for France as they aim to clinch back-to-back Six Nations titles for the first time since 2007.

While the victory focuses on the XV de France's performance, the wider French rugby scene also anticipates upcoming matches, with discussions around the need for teams like UBB to secure bonus points in their fixtures. Players such as Simeli Daunivucu and Florian Baquey offered insights into their teams' outlooks for the weekend's games.

This comprehensive win sets a promising tone for France’s Six Nations campaign, reinforcing their status as strong contenders this season.

This article was translated and synthesized from French sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.