Ireland's Grand Slam hopes were ruthlessly taken apart by a rampant France as the visitors left Dublin with a 42-27 victory.
Two yellow cards proved extremely damaging for Ireland as after an even first half, the visitors ran in a series of tries to streak home.
It was a difficult day for the majority of the Irish players, and here's how we rated them.
Hugo Keenan - 7
One of Ireland's better performers on the day. Early break took him past two French tackles and performed well in the air, especially at the start of the second half. Excellent 50:22 kick at the end forced some pressure on the French, but the game was well done by that stage. Had 12 ball carries for some 133 metres.
Calvin Nash - 6
Thrown into the starting line-up at the latest possible moment after James Lowe’s injury, and the Aviva rocked as he won an aerial duel just 35 seconds in. Gave away a penalty for not releasing in the 16th minute and then was sin-binned at a crucial stage of the second half for making head contact with Pierre-Louis Barassi with a bunker review keeping it as a yellow card.
Robbie Henshaw – 6.5
Covered well in the 20th minute to stop a French try, but Joe McCarthy’s yellow-card infringement ensured it was in vain. Worked well around the ruck but tired as the game went on.
Bundee Aki - 6
An early trailing boot to the face seemed required treatment but he shook it off and tried to get involved from the off. Nine successful tackles, nobody in green had more. Replaced after 56 minutes.
Jamie Osborne - 6
James Lowe’s injury and the subsequent shuffle saw him switched to the left wing and in the first 10 minutes he continually steamed off the shoulder of Jamison Gibson-Park as he showed his eagerness. Beaten in the air in the 19th minute but received a thunderous ovation for a kick and chase on a dallying Damian Penaud. Bundled into touch midway through the second half as a mixed day continued.
Sam Prendergast – 5.5
A day to forget for the youngster. Tried to set the tone early by kicking to the corner but it was clear France were targeting him physically and he was pushed back ruthlessly early on to kill Ireland’s attacking momentum. Had some good moments, like the penalty kick on the half-time whistle and a difficult conversion off Dan Sheehan’s try, but his day was summed up when Thomas Ramos intercepted his loopy pass in the closing minutes allowing the visitors to break and Damian Penaud to go over.
Jamison Gibson-Park – 6.5
Conducted the orchestra beautifully in an even first half and a clever grubber kick started the move that led to Dan Sheehan’s try, but had less control as France started to flex their muscles. One sloppy kick in the 48th minute and was replaced by Conor Murray.
Andrew Porter – 6.5
Gave up three points for obstructing Damian Penaud on a restart, a call that looked more than harsh. Eight successful tackles during his 68 minutes on the pitch.
Dan Sheehan - 7
A man possessed in the first few minutes as he tried to get Ireland on the board early, but he was twice repelled at the line.However, he wasn’t to be denied at the start of the second as he rolled off the back of the maul and touched down in the corner. Overshot a lineout in third quarter that opened up a French try chance, which ultimately led to a converted penalty.
Finlay Bealham - 6
A disappointing day on his 50th Test cap. Knocked on as Ireland got inside the French 22 early on, but the pass was fired at him. Made six successful tackles and was solid in the scrum.
Joe McCarthy – 5.5
Subtlety in short supply as he clearly pulled back Thomas Ramos 20 minutes in with his yellow card allowing France to touch down moments later. A really rash moment and gave France oxygen after a powerful Irish start. Replaced by James Ryan in the third quarter.
Tadhg Beirne - 6
Crunching tackle on Thomas Ramos in the 24th minute, one of nine successful ones made by the 33-year-old. Allowed Oscar Jegou to get past him and over the line as France put the game to bed in a devastating spell.
Peter O’Mahony - 6
His final home Test match but no fairytale ending as Ireland were easily second best. Desperately tried to shut down Antoine Dupont but he slipped out of reach and released the ball left for France’s opening try. Seemed to have a legitimate complaint for France’s second try as he was taken out by Thibaud Flament but the match officials disagreed.
Josh van der Flier - 6
A quieter afternoon than expected from Van der Flier but still made nine successful tackles. Struggled to have a big influence on proceedings though and taken out for Jack Conan early in the second half before returning as Caelan Doris underwent a HIA.
Caelan Doris – 7.5
A bundle of energy in the first half as he won his 50th Test cap. Held up on the line in the opening exchanges, forced France to concede a penalty and claimed another turnover. Helped chase down the hesitating Damian Penaud too along with Osborne. Much quieter second half, like all his team-mates, but probably Ireland’s best player on the day. 7.5.
Replacements
Ryan Baird - 6
Came in as the game was in the balance, but France got over seconds later before he could even break a sweat. Tried to get involved but Ireland’s momentum had stalled.
Jack Conan – 6.5
Finished the scoring with a simple walk-in on the last play.
Jack Crowley - 6
Brought a bit of composure to proceedings but couldn’t shift the momentum.
James Ryan - 6
The die was cast by the time he entered the fray, but battled gamely.
Thomas Clarkson - 6
Entered a difficult situation and wasn’t really involved.
Rob Herring - 6
Came in alongside Clarkson and like his team-mate, tried his best to get things going.
Cian Healy – 6.5
His try proved to be one of the bright spots on his home Ireland send off.
