IRELAND rediscovered their 2018 mojo to thump France 26-14 and sustain their slender Six Nations title hopes.

Captain Rory Best, talisman fly-half Johnny Sexton, Jack Conan and Keith Earls all crossed as Joe Schmidt’s men hit back to form, with Yoann Huget and Camille Chat claiming late consolations for the disorganised French.

Ireland’s bonus-point win means victory against Grand Slam-chasing Wales in Cardiff next Saturday could yet sweep the title, though that would also require an England slip-up against Scotland at Twickenham.

Schmidt’s men finally showed the kind of form that elevated them above all comers in 2018, a year that comprised a Grand Slam and second victory over New Zealand.

Skipper Best marked his final Six Nations match in Dublin before his intended retirement at the end of the calendar year in style, with a try and another top performance.

Ireland’s 32-20 opening-weekend defeat to England leaves unbeaten Wales favourites for the Grand Slam at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, and the English ought to see off the Scots.

But this commanding Irish victory at least sets up an intriguing final-weekend clash, as Schmidt’s side look to lay down a marker for the autumn’s World Cup.

That the job was already considered complete against Les Bleus inside the hour speaks volumes about the lowly state of France’s Test rugby.

France had hoped their 27-10 win over Scotland might prove the start of something new, instead Jacques Brunel’s men simply suffered another false dawn.

Ireland meanwhile can head to Cardiff with confidence at least renewed in this World Cup.