France delivered a commanding performance to crush Ireland 42-27 in Dublin, seizing control of the Six Nations title race.
Les Bleus scored five tries in a stunning display that ended Ireland's Grand Slam hopes.
The emphatic victory puts France two points clear at the top of the table with only Scotland standing in their way of claiming the championship.
Despite losing captain Antoine Dupont to a knee injury after 30 minutes, the visitors responded with brutal force, turning a 13-8 deficit into a resounding triumph.
France trounced Ireland even without their talismanic star Antoine Dupont
Reuters
Louis Bielle-Biarrey was the standout performer, crossing the line twice to earn Player of the Match honours.
Paul Boudehent, Oscar Jegou and Damian Penaud also scored tries as France blew the defending champions away in the second half.
Penaud's try was particularly significant as it equalled Serge Blanco's French record of 38 international tries.
Thomas Ramos was clinical from the tee, converting four tries and adding three penalties to complete France's impressive points tally.
Dupont's injury came in a freak accident when he twisted his knee after 30 minutes of play.
Despite losing their talismanic captain, France responded with remarkable resilience, scoring 34 unanswered points.
The visitors looked a class apart as they dismantled the Irish defence with free-flowing rugby.
France's dominance in the third quarter proved decisive, as they blew Ireland away at Lansdowne Road.
Fabien Galthie's men showed tremendous character to overcome the loss of their star player and deliver such a commanding performance.
Ireland's afternoon was plagued by setbacks from the outset, with James Lowe ruled out minutes before kick-off.
Discipline issues further hampered the hosts, as Joe McCarthy and Calvin Nash both received yellow cards during the match.
France suffered a huge blow when Antoine Dupont went off injured
PA
Despite tries from Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy and Jack Conan, Ireland struggled to contain the French onslaught.
Sam Prendergast added three conversions and two penalties, but his efforts proved insufficient against the rampant visitors.
The defeat was a bitter pill for the defending champions, who saw their Grand Slam ambitions evaporate at the Aviva Stadium.
France now sit at the summit of the Six Nations table with 16 points, two clear of Ireland in second place.
France were too good for Ireland in Dublin
Reuters
England occupy third position with 10 points ahead of their home fixture against Italy on Sunday.
The title race will conclude on Super Saturday, with France hosting Scotland in their final match.
Victory in that fixture would hand Les Bleus the championship, though they cannot secure a Grand Slam due to their shock defeat to England last month.
