Covering Saturday’s Women’s Six Nations game in Musgrave Park was a great excuse to have a long weekend in Cork.

I don’t think anyone present expected a win, but having lost heavily, 31-5, the previous Saturday in Cardiff, it was important to put in a performance against a physical, well drilled French side.

Ireland started promisingly with a few big forward carries but were knocked back by an uncompromising French defence. Gradually the French turned the screw. In the 9^th minute they mauled Audrey Forlani over the line for a 5-0 lead. Only 4 minutes later Caroline Boujard took advantage of a wicked bounce, on the artificial surface to claim France’s 2^nd try.

Ireland started to gain possession and had a number of breaks. Annaelle Deshaye saw red for a high tackle on Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, on the 22. Dannah O’Brien made no mistake with the penalty goal, to bring Ireland back to 3-10, after 22 minutes.

With 14 players, France continued to pressure Ireland. On 28 minutes Pauline Bourdon crashed over under the posts. Morgane Bourgeois converted to move France to 17-3. Bourdon was on hand 4 minutes later to claim her 2^nd try, following a charge down. Following a slick passing movement Gabrielle Vernier touched down, after 37 minutes to leave France 27-3 to the good, at halftime.

After the break Ireland contained France, but without really creating anything themselves. On 55 minutes a line out maul marched forward, before Agathe Sochat found a gap to score between 2 defenders. Bourgeois converted for a 34-3 lead.

In the 59^th minute Cyrielle Banet ran round the tiring Irish defence to score in the corner for 39-3.

In the 70^th minute Meabh Deely had brain fade and pulled Banet’s flowing locks, attempting to tackle her and saw yellow.

A minute later Vernier claimed her 2^nd try, running in on the right. Jessy Tremouliere converted, and France were 46-3 up.

There was time for one more score. An Irish scrum disintegrated under their posts and Charlotte Escudero drove over. Tremouliere added the points for 53-3.

France ran out convincing winners on the back of a big 53-3 bonus point win. Ireland played with a passion and commitment, not seen in the Welsh game and for periods held their own against a dominant French side.

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