Ireland keep their Six Nations campaign on track with win over France – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Ireland keep their Six Nations campaign on track with win over France




Ireland have kept their Six Nations championship hopes alive after they beat France 19-9 in the Aviva Stadium this evening.

In a hard fought encounter, Joe Schmidt’s men came out on top after Conor Murray scored the games only try. It was a wet and windy affair at the Aviva and Ireland’s early nerves were punished by France when Lopez slotted over the bar to give them a six point lead.

However Ireland soon found the front foot and were head on the half hour mark when Murray managed to dive over the French backline after a grueling build up spell that involved a series of mauls.

Ireland were unlucky not to be further ahead going into the break as the French defence held firm despite a strong Ireland shove in the closing minutes of the half.

The second half seen Ireland spring into action pull further ahead when Sexton slotted over two penalties in the space of 9 minutes after some poor errors by the French rear-guard.

Then Sexton once again showed his class by kicking a superb drop goal on the 50th minute to give Ireland a ten point lead. Ireland then pushed on to score the all important try, but it wasn’t forthcoming and they were made to pay in the 74th minute when Lopez scored a penalty to reduce the deficit to a single score.

However Ireland were not to be undone as substitute Paddy Jackson sealed the win two minutes later with a penalty in front of the post.

Ireland now have crucial meeting against Wales next Friday week, before a potentially all important encounter against England on March the 18th.

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