This was a much-improved performance from Ireland. The infusion of new talent has rejuvenated the side. Jamie Heaslip was outstanding. Hopefully Eddie O’Sullivan will persist with this policy. He must also introduce a genuine open side flanker into the team.
In the first half Ireland had most of the play. France punished turnovers in the first-half mercilessly with Vincent Clerc scoring a hat-trick of tries. France continuously attacked Geordan Murphy's wing with a great deal of success. Some of the Irish defensive tackling left much to be desired.
With the score 19-6 at half time, Ireland appeared dead and buried.
Cedric Heymans' try appeared to drive the final nail in the coffin. The score now stood at 26-6. Welsh referee Nigel Owens awarded a penalty try to Ireland in the 58th minute. This was the signal for the Irish revival.
In the 61st minute David Wallace crossed the line for an Irish try. Unfortunately O’Gara missed the conversion.
The French now led by 26-18.
A Brian O'Driscoll pass failed to find a teammate when a try seemed on.
O’Gara scored a magnificent penalty with six minutes to go.
Ireland attacked the French line in injury time but failed to secure the all-important try.
In the second half the Irish pack hammered the French into submission. However this may be explained by the decision of over confident French coach Marc Lievremont to replace prop Lionel Faure and hooker Dimitri Szarzewski with William Servat and Julien Brugnaut early in the second half. This completely destabilized the French scrum. Nevertheless the Irish pack has performed strongly against Italy and France.
The second half performance will undoubtedly boost Irish confidence. This team is capable of defeating Wales, Scotland and possibly England. There are some shortcomings in the lineout. These must be addressed. Defensive tackling leaves much to be desired. O’Sullivan must continue to introduce new talent and select a genuine open side flanker.
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