Ivan Roux of France is tackled by Ross Byrne and Garry Ringrose of Ireland. Photo / Getty Images
From the get-go, this clash appealed as the tightest fixture of the day.
It did not disappoint. This was far from flawless rugby, but there was enough intensity and vigour to keep the fans on the edge of their seats for the duration. Ireland had chances to clinch it later
on but coughed up the ball in promising positions.
It was tit for tat early as kickers Ross Byrne of Ireland and Baptiste Serin of France traded penalties, the latter continuing the long tradition of goalkicking French No 9s.
The French pack packed plenty of punch, and the lively Serin was central to much of their structure, but their backs stood too deep and could not make their possession count enough. However, they did open the tryscoring after a lineout drive when lock Arthur Iturria carried strongly and second five Ivan Roux was able to spear over, running a much flatter and more effective line.
Then, cool as you please, No 10 Brandon Fajardo slotted a dropped goal from 40m, the first of his two. It didn't look promising off the boot, but it was worth a crucial three points.
