Report| Ireland fall short of the mark in Paris

AN Irish team full of confidence failed to get past a powerful French performance in the Stade De France

Ireland took on France in the Stade de France in the most important game of the tournament so far. The winner of this clash will be the clear favourites for the tournament and continue their Grand Slam journey.

Ireland were full of confidence after their win against Wales in Dublin. The French side also came off the back of a win against Italy in the opening round of the tournament.

France had an electric start to the game as in the second minute. The French chose to use a quick throw in to move the ball across the pitch. The ball came to the French fly-half Ntamack who shifted the ball onto Antoine Dupont to touch the ball down for the try. Fullback Jaminet added the extra two points to add insult to injury.

French fullback Jaminet then slotted over a simple penalty kick for an added three points to push the score to 10-0.

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Seemingly out of nowhere from the Irish kick off Mack Hansen rose up and collect the ball. From the catch he pinned his ears back and dived over the line for the try. Carbery converted an extremely difficulty kick form the left side of the pitch the make it a full seven pointer.

France would then go on to score another three points from a penalty kick. Ireland’s ill discipline was a huge factor throughout the entire game and cost them at many points in the game. France capitlised on Irelands poor discpline and Jaminet sailed another penalty kick over the posts to put the score to 16-7

Just before the half-time whistle Jaminet once again stood up to add three points for France bringing the half-time score to 19-7

The second-half started just like the first and once again French fullback Jaminet sent a kick threw the posts. The score was now 22-7 to France with only three minutes gone in the second half.

Ireland sparked a bit of hope for a comeback as Joey Carbery kicked to the French corner. From the lineout Ireland gathered the ball, Van der Flier found himself with the ball and he drove himself over the line for the five points. Carbery then stood up and nailed another wonderful kick. the score was now 22-14

On the 50th minute mark Gibson-Park bagged himself a quick try as the Irish pressed forward into the French 22. Carbery again added the extra two points and there was real belief of an Irish triumph. Cyril Baille helped end that however as the French prop replied with a try of his own three minutes later. Finally Jaminet missed a chance to convert the try.

With the score at 27-21 there was tension building in the Stade de France. Ireland pushed in the French half and were awarded for their efforts after the French were found to be illegal at the breakdown. Carbery elected for the kick and he sailed it over once more adding three points.

Ireland pushed and pushed but their uncharacteristic ill discipline continued to have an affect on the game. France gained position in the Irish 22 as the boys in green were deemed to be infringing at the breakdown. whilst in the Irish 22 France had a try held up but the play went back to an earlier penalty

Jaminet then stood up and added the last three points of the game. Only with minutes left a series of error from the Irish cost the team a final chance. The French held onto the ball until the clock turned red and they kicked it out to win the game.

Ireland are bound to feel disappointed whereas the French will be celebrating wildly over the victory.

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