| France:(10) 17 |
| Attempt: Penod, Gabriag pen: Ramos. Cons: ramos 2 |
| Ireland:(17) 38 |
| Attempt: Gibson Park, Beirne, Nash, Sheehan, Kelleher. pen: Crowley Cons: crowley 5 |
Ireland started their Six Nations title defense on a high note with their biggest-ever away win against 14-man France in Marseille.
Ireland’s tries from Jamison Gibson-Park and Tajig Beirne, and the sending off of France’s Paul Willemse, gave Ireland the advantage after the half-hour mark.
Damien Penault’s try just before half-time gave France a breath of fresh air.
However, despite captain Peter O’Mahony’s yellow card, Ireland defeated the hosts to record a victory.
Ireland, who had been in control for much of the first half before Pennault’s try, extended their lead to 14 points thanks to a try from Calvin Nash.
However, pre-tournament favorites France hit back with a try from Paul Gavlyag, with O’Mahony sin-binned for bringing down a French maul.
However, the visitors regained control after Dan Sheehan scored Ireland’s bonus point, and Ronan Kelleher’s late try rounded off a famous night for the Men in Green.
More to come.
lineup
France: T. Ramos. D Penault, G Fikkoo, J Danti, Y Moefana. M. Jalibert, M. Luk. C Baile, P Mauvaca, U Atonio. P. Gavrilagues, P. Willemse. F Cross, C Ollivon, G Aldritt (Capt.).
Replacement: J Marchand, R Waldi, D Aldegueri, P Tuilagi, C Woki, P Boudegent, N Le Garrec, L Biel-Bialley.
Sin Bin: Willemse (9)
Sent off: Willemse (32)
Ireland: H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Rowe. J. Crowley, J. Gibson Park. A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong. J. McCarthy, T. Byrne. P. O’Mahony (Captain), J. van der Flier, C. Doris.
Replacement: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, J Conan, C Murray, C Frawley.
Sin Bin: O’Mahony (53)
Referee: Carl Dixon (English)
Assistant referee: Matthew Curley (UK) & Jordan Way (Australia)
TV match officials: Ben Whitehouse (Wall)