So close, so late… France 26 v 21 Ireland
Vincent Clerc, who famously this week was dropped and came back in through other team injuries led the first half with a hat-trick of tries that Ireland couldn’t compete with despite a massive fightback. Clerc proved himself to be possibly the best player in Europe.
A bright start for the Irish was soon dampened by Rougerie’s break which forced the defence to concede a penalty, thankfully Elissalde missed. Bonnaire pushed across the try-line only to be held up on his way to ground.
Trimble’s charge put France under pressure in the 11th, but the first of many knock on’s put an end to that.
A turnover in the ruck gave France their opening try, Vincent Clerc caught Elissalde’s kick over the Irish defence for a simple touch down - Elissalde went on to convert.
France 7 - 0 Ireland
O’Gara was quick to reply with a penalty.
France 7 - 3 Ireland
That meant nothing after Kearney failed to hold on to the restart, the tackle never came and Skrela setup Clerc for his second simple finish.
France 12 - 3 Ireland
A fantastic turnover in the 27th opened the door for Ireland, but Eoin Reddan’s pass meant that Dempsey was ambushed by the French defence.
O’Gara’s second penalty in the 29th minute reduced the deficit to 6 points.
France12 - 6 Ireland
O’Gara’s mistake in the 37th minute was to be caught in possession and Heyman ripped the Irish defence in two, only for Clerc to go through again and complete his hat trick, Elissalde converting again.
Half Time: France 19 - 6 Ireland
Heyman got his own try early in the second half, after O’Driscoll charged down a Skrela kick and it sat up perfectly for Heyman.
France 26 - 6 Ireland
Despite being 20 points behind, faith in the second half fightback against the French in the past is still a strong memory with some Irish players. Their battling resulting in a penalty try in the 58th minute!
France 26 - 13 Ireland
In the 61st minute Ireland’s fightback really started with David Wallace pushing his way over the French line to show-up an unsettled defence as replacements came on. Crucially O’Gara missed the conversion by a mile.
France 26 - 18 Ireland
The pressure was piling on a French side that was looking decidedly vulnerable, O’Driscoll’s pass failed to find a team-mate close to the line. O’Gara found his way through another penalty to reduce the deficit to just 5 points with six minutes left.
France 26 - 21 Ireland
Intense pressure on the line in the closing seconds nearly saw Ireland take a victory, but playing the ball wide it was run into touch by the French for a relieved full time whistle.
Full Time: France 26 - 21 Ireland
France had escaped by the skin of their teeth, and this certainly eases the pressure on Eddie O’Sullivan (even with a loss).
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We made Clerc look good with no defence down our right side.When we played tight 9 man rugby we had them in trouble but do you think Eddie will see the truth? No and that is our problem.Kidney must be frustrated because he does know how to fix this.It is so so simple.Ach…im fed up!!!