Ireland started their Six Nations title defense with a 38-17 bonus-point win over France at Stade Velodrome, as they capitalized on Paul Willemse's red card. Tries from Jamison Gibson-Park, Tadhg Beirne, Calvin Nash, Dan Sheehan, and Ronan Kelleher secured the victory, with Jack Crowley contributing 13 points with the boot. France's indiscipline, compounded by Willemse's dismissal and the absence of Antoine Dupont, allowed Ireland to take control of the match and put themselves in a strong position for the rest of the tournament.