WOMEN'S SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIPS: France 19 Ireland 9:FRANCE HAD too much flair and craft for Kevin West's Ireland team as they registered a 10-pt victory at the Stade Allees, Blois.
In exacting conditions the Irish performance wasn’t short on courage or commitment, but France were able to scamper through for three tries at crucial stages, and the visitors couldn’t match the locals’ craft.
Ireland were gritty in the first half as dependable fullback Niamh Briggs rifled over a brace of penalties, but France still went in at the interval with a decent 12-6 advantage.
After the interval it was a similar story as Ireland continued to demonstrate the required pluck, but France defended in a resolute fashion.
Briggs did land a third penalty to reduce the deficit, but France remained cool dealing with Ireland’s enthusiasm as they gained a measure of revenge for last year’s shock reversal in Ashbourne.
FRANCE: E Poublan; C Ladagnous, S Agricole, L Godiveau, F Horta; A Bailon, S Provost; S Loyer, C Mansard, C Barthelemy, H Rhamouni, C Bouisset, A Vaupre , M Hebel, S Rabier.
IRELAND: N Briggs; A Davis, G Davitt, S Houston, A Miller; J O'Sullivan, T Rosser; F Coghlan, G Bourke, E McManamly, C Mahon, M Reilly, O Brennan, S Ryan, J Neville. Replacements: C Fanning, L Day, K O'Loughlin, C Molloy, L Beamish, H Brosnan, N Stapelton.
Referee: C Daniels (England).
