Women's Six Nations: Scott Bemand’s side beaten 27-15 in Belfast
was both affirmation of the significant progress made over the last 12 months and the road they still have to travel if they are to become the side they aspire to be.
But handling errors and penalties which had undermined Ireland’s first-half display returned to let a more experienced France off the hook. It didn’t help that the visitors won a crunch bout of kick-tennis and also had the more complete, accurate and ruthless attacking game.Women’s Six Nations: Team by team guide, fixtures and predictions
It also didn’t help that the French scrum was virtually a guaranteed source of penalties and advantage plays, and both a quick throw and scrum penalty to the corner were early signals of France’s intent. Wafer was already making dents in the blue line and ripped one turnover in the tackle, but five handling errors in the opening 16 minutes were compounded by Flook kicking fractionally out on the full for a second time.The French maul rumbled towards the Irish 22 and Charlotte Escudero carried hard over the gainline from a pass by Bourdon-Sensus before quick hands by Nassira Konde and Bourgeois enabled Marine Menagier to score her 15th Test try wide out. Bourgeois again nailing the conversion.
It was almost a nod of recognition that France then opted for a three-pointer from Bourgeois after their barrage and imbued with belief on the back of that, Ireland finished the half on top, albeit another attack ended in them being driven back, losing their shape and being turned over. A throw from Jones hit Wafer and again the backs joined in a perfectly set-up and long maul for the hooker to take the responsibility of regathering the ball and scoring. O’Brien failing to take the extras.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tom Wood, son of Ireland legend Keith, to start Ireland U20s Six Nations tie against FranceThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Six Nations showing will have Ireland at six Lions starters First TestAny of the pre-tournament notes Farrell was carrying around on scraps of paper or on the back of an empty packet of fags are in a bin now writes One F in Foley
Read more »
Damien Penaud Set for France Recall Against Ireland in Six NationsFrance's record-chasing left wing Damien Penaud is expected to return to the starting lineup for their crucial Six Nations clash against Ireland. Head coach Fabien Galthié hinted at changes to the backline, with Romain Ntamack and Gael Fickou also likely to regain their starting positions.
Read more »
How to handle Ireland: Thierry Henry joins France camp ahead of Six Nations showdownThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Ireland team to play France: Live updates as starting 15 named for crunch Six Nations clashSimon Easterby to name his team for what will be the decisive game of this year’s Six Nations
Read more »
Ireland v France team LIVE updates as Six Nations sides named for Aviva Stadium clashIreland face France in a massive Six Nations fixture
Read more »