Centre Gael Fickou admitted Ireland “outclassed” France in every department as Andy Farrell’s side got the defence of their Guinness Six Nations crown off to a perfect start.
Ireland beat Les Bleus 38-17, a record victory for the visitors, and sent out an early statement to the rest of the championship contenders.
It was the battle of the last two Grand Slam champions and favourites for the title but Andy Farrell’s men controlled the game from start to finish
While the hosts played most of the match with 14 players – with lock Paul Willemse (below) yellow-carded twice for reckless tackles – they never got to the pitch of the game and had no complaints about the outcome.
“This evening they outclassed us in every domain,” Racing 92 back Fickou said.
“Very quickly it was 14 v 15 even when it was 15 v 15 it was already very complicated.
“Thus at 14 it was too much of an ask and they had their noses in front, too.
“They thoroughly deserve their victory, there is no debate about that.
“They stayed 14 on the line, we were one less. It became difficult to shift the ball. They contested a lot of the rucks.”
Ireland had more possession (56%) and more territory (51%) and outscored France five tries to two.
Captain Greg Alldritt added: “It is tough. We would have liked to show a different image of ourselves.
“We promised we would put up a good performance, we wanted to show character and step up the intensity.
“The beginning of the season has been full on. One has to understand that. It is tough to talk this evening.
“This is not the side of us we wanted to show tonight.
“We will, though, own this defeat and we will keep our heads high. We will do everything possible to bounce back next week [against Scotland].”
Both sides lost World Cup quarter-finals in dramatic fashion but it was clear that Fabien Galthie’s charges, without Antoine Dupont due to Sevens commitments, were the side with the biggest hangover.
“It was tough for the players,” said Galthie (above).
“We wasted a lot, we lacked speed. We had prepared to put a lot of intensity into the game. We need to do better, offensively and defensively.”
Ireland host Italy next Sunday at the Aviva Stadium (3pm), while France visit Scotland on Saturday (2.15pm).
Watch Wales v Scotland in the Guinness Six Nations on Saturday from 4pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
