PARIS, Feb 5 : France launched the defence of their Six Nations title in emphatic fashion, sweeping Ireland aside 36-14 at the Stade de France on Thursday, dominating play for long stretches before easing off once the bonus point was secured.With Antoine Dupont and Matthieu Jalibert back after a year's absenc

Ireland's concerning form has now been upgraded to worrying, with their Guinness Six Nations campaign starting with a 36-14 thrashing at the hands of France in Paris.

France began its Six Nations title defense with five tries and a bonus point after a dominant 36-14 win against Ireland on Thursday. France scored a tournament-record 30 tries last year and a rout looked on the cards at a rainy Stade de France. France led 29-0 thanks to prolific…