Ireland defeated by Les Bleues in Belfast

Ireland were back in the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast to take on the mighty French side. Ireland’s last game in Belfast was last September when they beat the Australian Wallaroos 36-10 in an invitational game to mark the IRFU’s 150^th anniversary.

Les Bleues have not lost a Six Nations fixture against anyone but England since 2019, coming close in October 2020 when they drew with Scotland in a tight game in Glasgow. France have been Bridesmaid to England but have not been the bride in the Six Nations for many years, last winning it with a Grand Slam in 2018. Since then, it has been England’s Championship for six successive years.

Beating the visitors would be a very big ask for Ireland, who have only ever beaten France 3 times, all on Irish soil, but Ireland would be buoyed by a very positive 2024 where Ireland rose from rock bottom in 2024 to 3^rd last year. Ireland qualified for the WXV1 competition as a result, which would have worried many fans given the quality of opposition they faced. Ireland’s good form continued as they shocked the Black Ferns, beating them 29-27 and came second in the competition.

France didn’t fare as well as the Irish, placing in 5^th after winning only one of their three games in Vancouver. Many would be forgiven for thinking that France’s dip in form could hand Ireland a shock victory in Belfast. One thing was for sure, Ireland would be facing into the game with a spring in their step.

Ireland began the encounter looking somewhat nervy. Early exchanges saw Ireland overcook a kick downfield as Stacey Flood put the ball out on the full from her own half twice in the early exchanges.

Bourdon Sansus, often compared to her male counterpart Dupont due to her nuisance style of play and ability to create opportunities, looked to be up to her usual tricks early in the game, but Ireland handled the star very well, keeping her relatively quiet for the encounter.

France opened the scoring with Vernier scoring her 14th international try on her 50th cap. Ireland’s defence was noticeably passive on our own try line, failing to meet the Vernier as she receives the ball, a player that doesn’t need an invitation to run a hard line. France converted with ease. Her centre partner, Marine Menager, scoring also in the first half.

Aoife Wafer looked to be in typical form, making some huge carries and often forcing two or three of the visitors to take her to ground. The formidable 22-year-old opened the scoring for Ireland on 22 minutes as Ireland put a penalty in the corner. Ireland set up a maul, with Wafer gathering and immediately peeling left to crash over from five meters out.

Though Wafer was successful in punching holes in the defence throughout the game, Ireland failed to capitalise when they went wide searching for space, with handling errors and poor decisions to kick often cutting the Irish side’s attack short.

Dannah O’Brien appeared to be somewhat panicked in attack in the first half, kicking when perhaps Ireland were better keeping the ball in hand.

Ireland’s lineout was noticeably improved since last year, with Neve Jones very accurate from the throw in.

Aoife Dalton had a particularly good game, managing the well-oiled French centres defensively, with a significant turnover in the second half. Ireland’s defence was much more solid in the second and third quarter of the game, with Djougang, Jones, King and Dalton all very effective in stopping the French waves of attack.

France led 17-5 at the break, but Ireland looked dangerous in attack when the game resumed. Ireland were making gains early on when Gabrielle Vernier shot out of the defensive line with a great read, only to clash heads as Eve Higgins gathered, flooring the Irish player. The TMO opted to review and referee Hollie Davidson gave the centre a 10-minute break, with a yellow card and an off-field review. The card was later upgraded to a red, leading to a further 10 minutes of the visiting side reduced to 14. The new laws around the 20-minute red card would later stand to them as they returned to a full 15.

Ireland managed to capitalise on the temporary shortfall in numbers, through a very efficient maul and Neve Jones scored to narrow the gap further. In what was to be a poor day off the tee for O’Brien, she pulled her conversion. The fly half would go on to miss all her kicks on the day, in an unusual day for the Carlow woman.

Niamh O’Dowd was busy in the second half, on both sides of the ball. The 24-year-old prop has continued her form from 2024 with a very solid display.

Ireland rung the changes at 55 minutes with Cliodhna Moloney, Aoibheann Reilly Edel McMahon, Fiona Tuite and Grace Moore all entering the fray. The Irish side was notably strengthened by the fresh legs, making significant territory. It would be another 10 minutes before Ireland would score again though, and surprising nobody, it was Aoife Wafer who crashed over once more to narrow the gap to just two points.

Ireland looked like they had the potential to cause a shock in Belfast, but the French side, bolstered by a return to 15 players, pulled away again through a penalty from Morane Bourgeois and a late try from substitute Emilie Boulard.

Despite the loss, it is the first time in eight years that Ireland has come within 20 points of Les Bleues. Being disappointed to not beat the French is unusual territory for Ireland of late, but the reality is that Ireland gave France a tough battle and, on another day, Ireland could turnover the losing streak.

Ireland’s form under Scott Bemand is clear, with the side playing with great confidence under a system that suits them. Ireland takes on Italy next Sunday in Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma at 3pm, live on Virgin Media.

Irish Women’s Supporters Club