France moved into pole position for the Six Nations title after thrashing Ireland 42-27, but there weren't any celebrations from Shaun Edwards. While head coach Fabien Galthié delighted in the massive win, Edwards seethed about the late Irish tries.
The French defence coach had a look of thunder on his face as Galthié tried to hug him in celebration. This was all despite France decisively taking over the lead of the championship with a bonus-point victory.
It means the team could clinch its first title since 2022 in the final round at home next Saturday when it hosts Scotland.
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Meanwhile, Ireland's Grand Slam hopes were destroyed in the fourth round for a second straight year, and its hopes of a third successive outright title, unprecedented in the tournament's 142-year history, were probably sunk.
Having felt the full force of a ferocious French performance, Ireland did score late tries through Cian Healy and Jack Conan, which is what upset Wales' former defence guru, who had said he was channelling his inner Steve Collins, Bono and Phil Lynott to prepare for the game.
Galthié delighted with a massive win to take control of the Six Nations.
Edwards seething about the late Irish tries. pic.twitter.com/MxUHoSsiR8
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) March 9, 2025
Despite his anger, experts described the French defence as "brilliant". Pundit Murray Kinsella said: "Edwards had players in perfect place to constantly win collisions and never give up on anything. French 22 defence in opening 16 minutes was arguably the winning of the game." David Walsh of the Sunday Times pinpointed Edwards as the "architect" of the win.
Before the game Edwards had said: "It's the ultimate challenge in the northern hemisphere, to come to Dublin and win. The last two years they have been absolutely marvellous, great to watch as well.
"I have been listening to U2 and Thin Lizzy all week. It was a pleasure to watch Steve Collins fights from the 1990s, so I am ready."
Looking beyond the Six Nations, Edwards has expressed an interest in being part of the Lions tour in Australia. His former Great Britain rugby league team-mate Andy Farrell is in charge of the tourists and Edwards, who was defence coach for the Lions on the 2009 tour of South Africa, is keen to be part of the coaching staff for the upcoming tour.
“I’d swim it to Australia if Faz gives me a shout,” he added. “I know that if you’re in good form, then you have a chance. That probably means winning the Six Nations.”
