Ireland produced a valiant performance in defeat during yesterday's Under 21 international at La Roche sur Yon. An outstanding performance from the pack, in which Frankie Sheahan, Mick O'Driscoll, captain Leo Cullen and props Marcus Horan and Martin Cahill were especially prominent, almost conjured a victory.

Unfortunately for the visitors a propensity for giving away too many penalties allowed French outhalf Elissade too many opportunities and he gratefully punished Ireland, scoring 21 points.

Ireland enjoyed the satisfaction of matching the French 3-3 in the try count with Sheahan, Cahill and Cullen all crossing the French line. They were left to rue missed opportunities with the placed ball but despite this can feel proud of their performance.

Ireland led 21-10 with 20 minutes remaining, but three transgressions in 15 minutes allowed Elissade to put give his team some breathing space.