France Flexes Muscles, Signaling Title Ambitions in Six Nations and Beyond

The French supporters were out in full force in Dublin, creating a festive atmosphere around the Aviva Stadium. However, their presence also served as a reminder of Ireland's past struggles against France, particularly in Paris.

The recent battering started on Friday night in Cork, where France's Under-20s gave a preview of Saturday's match. Despite being reduced to 12 men, they dominated the game, showcasing their power, dexterity, and speed.

The senior French team plays a similar style, with a focus on power and speed, combined with clinical finishing. They also have a strong defense, led by Shaun Edwards.

The evidence suggests that France will be difficult to beat at home, especially with a Six Nations championship on the line. Their combination of brutality and speed mitigates the loss of Antoine Dupont, and they have shown an ability to capitalize on numerical advantages.

The reaction in Dublin was mixed, with praise for France and concerns about Ireland's aging team. The sight of three veteran players, Cian Healy, Conor Murray, and Peter O'Mahony, saying goodbye after a heavy defeat was a poignant reminder of the need for a rebuild.

While the Six Nations is important, Ireland must also focus on the upcoming World Cup in 2027. The team's best performance may be behind them, and they need to avoid the mistakes of 2019, when they entered the World Cup after a disappointing Six Nations campaign.

France, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their momentum heading into the World Cup. Their Under-20s' performance suggests that they have a bright future, and they will be confident of challenging for the title in Australia.