France’s Damian Penaud, left, breaks away from Ireland’s Sam Prendergast, to score a try during the Six Nations rugby union match between Ireland and France, at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

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.

By Padraic Halpin DUBLIN (Reuters) -France moved into pole position for the Six Nations title on Saturday, withstanding an early Antoine Dupont injury to thrash Ireland 42-27 with a blistering second half that dealt a likely fatal blow to the hosts' hopes of a record third title in a row.

Rugby fans in the UK are once again among the luckiest in the world, with all matches of the 2025 Six Nations set to be shown live on free-to-air networks BBC and ITV. This means viewers in the UK will be able to stream every game for free on ITVX and BBC iPlayer. This match will be shown live on ITV 1, with coverage starting at 1:25 p.m. GMT.

Heading into their match against France, Ireland are within touching distance of claiming a historic Six Nations Championship three-peat,

France absorbed early setbacks including the loss of captain Antoine Dupont through injury to beat defending champions Ireland 42-27 at the Aviva Stadium and move into pole position for the Six Nations title on Saturday.

Ireland are handed their third defeat of the Under-20 Six Nations as a dominant first-half display helps France earn a 22-12 win in Cork.