France’s bid to quench the thirst of the six Nations that had more than a decade more steaming with a scrappy 15-13 victory over injured Ireland on Sunday lifted their first win in Athy. Harrow in almost as long.
The Irish took control of the opening quarterback in Aviva’s wet stadium but could only manage a solitary penalty before being loaded well out of France, even though he was a man for a short time, attempting to captain Charles Ollivon.
The visitors looked in complete control but were almost told rue not to put the game well out of sight when Ronan Kelleher’s effort helped fail, just after Damian Penaud secure second place for France, by dragging Ireland to within two points of an unlikely win back.
France defended solidly and joined Wales at the top of the standings with two wins from two. They will all face England before meeting in Paris on the final day, while the six-nation campaign in Ireland is in a tattoo after the second consecutive defeat.