Chapeau Fabien. Chapeau Les Blues. This was the moment when France finally shrugged off their World Cup blues, which had lingered for far too long. On the evidence of this display, France look unstoppable.

France takes on Ireland on Saturday afternoon in Dublin in a key match. Success against the favorites would put the French back in contention for overall victory.

By Padraic Halpin DUBLIN (Reuters) -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.