Dazzling French too strong for battling Irish

THE Grand Slam champions began the Summer Series with defeat to a dazzling France side. Richie Murphy’s side struggled to assert themselves and trailed 17-7 at the interval, leaving themselves too much to do despite an improved showing after the break.

France started brightest and full-back Max Auriac kicked the game’s opening points after a scrum penalty.

A loose Irish pass squandered possession and France wasted no time in punishing Ireland as second row Léo Labarthe latched onto an inside pass from Leo Barré and darted home to score under the posts.

Emilien Gailleton was never far away from the action and quickly made it two. A sublime pass from Louis Bielle-Biarrey gave Gailleton the freedom of Verona and after a one-two with Nicolas Depoortere he coasted home to score.

Lock Samuel M’Foudi was then carded for a late hit on Daniel Hawkshaw and France soon faltered with a man down. His ill-discipline was contagious as a succession of penalties enabled Ireland to work their way up field.

The biggest cheer of the day then greeted Aitzol King’s score after 14-man France simply ran out of defensive cover.

Then, as Ireland tried to clear their lines, a penalty against James McNabney presented Auriac with the opportunity to extend France’s lead from the tee.

The score which put the game beyond doubt soon followed as France dazzled once more. Substitute Gatien Masse stepped in as first receiver and found Depoortere with a simple but highly effective close-range pass. The centre then raced away before sidestepping Dylan O’Grady to finish.

Auriac added three more to take France to 30, by which point coach Murphy had made wholesale changes and offered minutes to those who are sure to play a big part in Ireland’s remaining fixtures, with a tight turnaround between games.

And the replacement forwards in particular staked a claim for a starting place next time out, slowly weighing down the French defence before earning a penalty try.

French replacement hooker Victor Montgaillard and centre Fionn Gibbons traded scores before Montgaillard rounded off the scoring in the final minute.