France vs Ireland LIVE: Women’s Six Nations result, final score and reaction as France secure bonus point win
Follow all the Women’s Six Nations latest updates and live action from France vs Ireland
Ireland are still searching for their first win of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations after being overwhelmed 40-5 by France in Toulouse.
Outside centre Eve Higgins crossed under the posts for the visitors in the 56th minute but it was a lone highlight on a difficult afternoon at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
It was the second time Higgins had touched down but an earlier try was ruled out by the TMO.
Ireland were hampered by a high penalty count but having trailed 26-0 at half-time, leaking four tries in the process, they improved after the interval.
Livewire France scrum-half Laure Sansus ran in tries in each half to emerge as the most effective player for the hosts, who have now collected a maximum 10 match points after two rounds.
PENALTY! FRANCE 3-0 Ireland (Caroline Drouin penalty, 4 minutes)
Clean strike, posts bisected - Caroline Drouin has France on the board early.
France 0-0 Ireland, 3 minutes
But as Ireland try to play a couple of phases and work space to clear, Gaelle Hermet spots a lonely carrier, and jackals perfectly to win a turnover penalty.
Caroline Drouin calls for the tee...
France 0-0 Ireland, 2 minutes
Promise from France straight away. Gabrielle Vernier hits a lovely short line darting alongside a maul and then Coco Lindelauf carries with intent.
Laure Sansus and Caroline Drouin pull the strings as France make progress down the right, but Lindelauf’s next carry is rather decisively stopped by a driving dump tackle.
Sansus goes to the boot with momentum stalled, but a flick of an Irish hand diverts it kindly to be gathered by yet more green fingers.
France 0-0 Ireland, 1 minute
A moment of early fortune for Ireland as a fumble is ruled to have gone backwards from the kick-off, and Ireland just about clear their lines despite an early thump from a French forward. Lineout for the hosts on the ten-metre.
La Marseillaise
And there is, of course, slightly more support from the stands for the French players during “La Marseillaise”. It’s go time in Toulouse.
Ireland’s Call
Anthem time, with the Irish squad giving a fine rendition of “Ireland’s Call” first, a few travelling supporters swaying to the tune in the stands.
Message in support of Ukraine
Warm applause in support of the people of Ukraine as the message is shown on the big screen at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
Out come the players
Gaelle Hermet and Nichola Fryday lead the two sets of players out, French flags waving in a stiff early April breeze. South Africa’s Aimee Barrett-Theron is the referee this afternoon, by the way, with England’s Ian Tempest on TMO duties.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments