France shipped a single in their greatest Six Nations performances to thrash holders Ireland 42-27 in Dublin.

But rather than enduring pure euphoria following a close to-best efficiency, the French camp vented their anger just after their talisman Antoine Dupont ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee.

The 28-year-old scrum-half was forced off in the main 50 % after Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne fell on to his leg in a ruck.

France head mentor Fabien Galthie referred Eire pair Beirne and Andrew Porter to your citing commissioner for probable retrospective punishment, which was afterwards dismissed.

"There was zero malice in it," previous Ireland wing Simon Zebo, a former Munster group-mate of Beirne, informed BBC's Six Nations Rugby Unique.

"Tadhg is really a thoroughly clean player and would not desire any undesirable intent on any individual. The only thing is, It's not a fantastic image.

"There is a lot of ability coming into that ruck and it appears to be like worse than it's. No-one hopes to see him [Dupont] from the sport as he is the best participant on this planet."

Dupont, who was replaced by Maxime Lucu, furnished seven helps and scored two tries in advance of his tournament was Slash small.

Victory above Scotland at Stade de France will likely safe a primary title in three yrs, with arguably the most effective participant on earth now likely having to elevate the trophy in a tracksuit.