Follow live: Ireland look to keep Six Nations title hopes alive

8′ Ireland have possession in their own half, with Conor Murray pulling the strings. But the French defence is holding very tough, and they’re not giving up much ground at all. 6′ Ireland disrupt the scrum but France get it out and they look to have scored a try! It seems as though there was a knock on from the crossfield kick, but France have touched down and this is going to go to the TMO. Yeah, Damian Penaud knocked on when challenging for the high ball with Jordan Larmour, so Thomas Ramos’ touchdown will not count. Back we go for an Ireland scrum. 5′ There’s nearly a breakaway for Ireland again for the restart, as Keith Earls comes within a whisker of gathering a clever kick wide from Sexton. It’s a knock on though, and France will get the chance to regain a foothold after a blistering five minutes from Ireland. 4′ Sexton nails the conversion. That’s a beaut from out on the left flank, on a blustery day. Super move for that try, quick switch at the lineout back to Best who barged over low with a welter of support from his pack. 4′ 7-0 Conversion – Johnny Sexton , Ireland 3′ And they’re in! Rory Best bundles in from the lineout! A try within three minutes and Ireland — who do need a bonus point to boost their hopes of retaining the title — are very up for this! 3′ 5-0 Try – Rory Best , Ireland 2′ Ireland immediately get a penalty advantage so Sexton looks to kick high to the corner. It’s well covered by the French defence, though. Interestingly, Ireland kick for the corner when points were a certainty. An early signal of intent. 1′ Early fumble from Jonny Sexton as he tried to catch a long kick, but it went backwards and Jordan Larmour then launches a terrific kick into the French 22, which earns the Irish a lineout deep in French territory. Quite the contribution for someone getting their first start in the Six Nations. 1′ France to kick off, and away we go! 1′ The anthems are done, and we’re moments away from kick-off. Remember, France have not won in Dublin since 2011, so the odds are firmly stacked in the home side’s favour, but the look on skipper Rory Best’s face during the Irish anthem was one of supreme focus and a hint of nerves. 1′ The sun is shining as the teams walk out for a handshake with the match dignitaries, followed by the anthems. 1′ Hello and welcome to ESPN’s live coverage of Ireland against France in Dublin.

We’ve seen four seasons in one day already at the Aviva Stadium, with blazing sunshine either side of wild sleet storms. It’s going to be testing conditions for both sides, especially if the clouds break again during the match itself.

Ireland’s task is simple. Win today and in Cardiff next weekend, and they stand a chance of retaining the Six Nations title. Lose to France today, and their only remaining role will be as spoilers of a Wales Grand Slam party next weekend.

France, meanwhile, are looking to build on a solid victory over Scotland in Paris two weeks ago, where a much-changed side finally hit their stride. This time around, there are no changes — is their long-sought stability emerging for Les Bleus?

1′ 0-0 Start of first half