With wind and rain on their side in the first half, Ireland were excellent. Linda Djougang powered over for the opening try, and after Rose Bernadou was shown a yellow card, full-back Stacey Flood added a second. A penalty from Dannah O’Brien stretched the lead to 13-0, and Ireland looked in control. They even held France scoreless for 35 phases just before the break, despite another French yellow for captain Manae Feleu.
But the game turned after half-time. France, now with the weather behind them, began to take charge. A penalty from Morgane Bourgeois got them on the board, before No.8 Charlotte Escudero crashed over in the 59th minute. Bourgeois converted to bring it back to 13-10.
Ireland were under pressure and down to 14 players after Grace Moore was sin-binned. France struck again, this time through winger Joanna Grisez, who ran from her own half to give them the lead for the first time at 15-13.
The French pushed further ahead with another Bourgeois penalty in the 76th minute, making it 18-13. Ireland still had hope. With the clock in the red, they won a penalty and kicked to the corner for a last-gasp lineout. But Feleu rose highest to steal the ball and seal the win for France.
