France will try to win the Six Nations without its talisman after captain Antoine Dupont ruptured cruciate ligaments in his right knee at the weekend.

France moved into pole position for the Six Nations title on Saturday, withstanding an early Antoine Dupont injury to thrash Ireland 42-27 with a blistering second half that dealt a likely fatal blow to the hosts' hopes of a record third title in a row.

There are just three fixtures of the 2025 Six Nations remaining and the title race has taken shape with three teams still harbouring ambitions of lifting the trophy on 15 March. France’s emphatic win over Ireland establishes Fabien Galthie’s side as favourites for the title,