IRELAND 18
FRANCE 11
Aviva Stadium
Ireland’s Six Nations title defence continues on a winning streak after a scrappy but absorbing slug-fest with France who gave the home team a late scare with a 71st minute try from Romain Taofifenua.
France’s lack of composure told and it was Johnny Sextons five from five kicks, added to blood sub Ian Madigan's one, that won the day despite the former suffering a nasty gash in the second half after a dreadful collision with Mathieu Bastareaud.
Ireland dominated territory and the scoreboard in the first half with Sexton’s four penalties keeping Ireland’s noses in front and eventually taking them to a 12-6 lead at half-time.
The number 10 kept Ireland in front right the way through - his 17th min kick restored the lead after French outhalf Camille Lopez levelled a minute earlier.
Both outhalfs traded successful kicks again in the 33rd and 36th minutes before Sexton made it a six-point lead a minute before the break.
Sexton was off the pitch then for almost 10 minutes from the 45th minute after a tackle from Bastareaud in which the French centre looked to have deliberately led with his head.
Sexton returned stitched up and kicked a penalty with 12 minutes left, to add to blood sub Ian Madigan’s in the 51st.
Pascal Pape and Rory Best were sinbinned in the second half but neither team could take advantage in the respective periods of numerical advantage.
The drama wasn’t over as France found themselves with about 3 players over inside the last ten minutes and sub Romain Taofifenua touched down but Lopez missed the conversion having also missed a penalty just after the hour mark.
Ireland had to defend for their lives in the closing stages but managed to see out their first victory over Les Bleus at the refurbished Aviva Stadium.
