Overview
- Antoine Dupont returned as captain and Les Bleus built a 22–0 halftime lead, closing out a bonus‑point victory in Paris.
- Ireland entered short-handed with multiple injuries across the front row and backline and a suspension for Bundee Aki.
- The matchup inaugurated the new Solidarity Trophy, created to celebrate the historical link between France and Ireland.
- This year’s opener was moved to Thursday to avoid the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, and the tournament has only one rest week.
- The championship runs to 14 March, and pre‑tournament analyses cast France and England as primary contenders as Round 1 continues this weekend.