France Clinch Deserved Victory in Paris after Pulsating 80 Minutes.

I want to be annoyed and upset at this result. I feel like I should have that crushing feeling but I honestly don’t. Now, I’m not saying I’m not at all disappointed because of course I am, but there’s no part of me can argue with the result.

Saturday’s fixture was maybe one of the closest, most intense and physical games I have watched in quite some time, and France just played a better game.

I’ve watched it back and there is something I can’t quite figure out because it could be either or maybe a bit of both: Did Ireland have a reasonably poor game (giving away penalties, struggling in collisions), or did France force these errors and dominate the physical aspects of the game? I’d bank on a bit of both if I was forced for an answer.

France did everything right and their star players were star players. Dupont was pivotal to most every play, always having a huge influence, Ntamack had crisp hands as ever distributing beautifully and amongst other stand outs, Villiere’s strength really impressed me. France’s scrum was stable and strong, getting a penalty or two out of Andrew Porter, and the defensive line forced knock on’s and poor passes. The pressure at the breakdown also made it difficult for JGP who seemed to have a lot of trouble on the clearance kicks either kicking into touch with few meters gained or keeping in touch but hanging them just beyond the breakdown and handing over possession. France made meters in contact, dragged in defenders to contest the ruck and made space out wide. Just what you’d expect from France at their best.

Ireland struggled in a few aspects. One in particular was the kicking game. Many kicks didn’t get the distance to be contestable so France’s back line were running onto the ball and Ireland were just sort of hovering, waiting for it to come back down from the French sky. They also looked like they were being bullied, more so in the first half. France forced mistakes and didn’t allow any leeway in the defensive line. Porter seemed to be a little bit exposed by the French pack as well and I’m not trying to talk down about him, he’s part of one of the best front rows there is, but a vulnerability was shown. Whilst he’s done an incredible job switching sides, the scrum needs some work, and I’m sure he won’t shy away from improving. Mack Hansen’s try was crucial for Ireland, if it wasn’t for the points (obviously) but more importantly the shift in momentum, then Ireland were done for in the first half already. Hansen has been an absolute gem for Ireland in these first two games and even with only two caps under his belt is going to challenge the newly fit James Lowe for that 11 shirt. Once Jacob Stockdale is back fit and in form, that Ireland wing is going to be one of the most competitive spots in world rugby at this rate.

Last thing, on the point of the decision to go for 3 points and Jack Carty’s pass: Firstly, I’m not going to argue with Iain Henderson and James Ryan’s rugby management (plus the mystery aggressive voice from the side-line screaming “POINTS”. Secondly, Carty had just over a minute and needed 7 points for the win, so he took a chance. He makes that pass he’s a hero, he messes it up and he “cost them the game”. Carty might just benefit from a bit of insight from Billy Burns.

Like last week, win or draw, Ireland have plenty to learn from and take away from that game. Afterall, they played one of the best teams in the world and kept it competitive after going 15 points down at the start of the second half. A week off and a game at the Aviva against Italy to reset will stand them in good stead.