France 26-7 Ireland: Les Bleues Dominate Second Half to Keep Grand Slam Dream Alive
France produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Ireland 26-7 in the Women's Six Nations at Stade Marcel-Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand on Saturday, keeping their Grand Slam ambitions firmly on track while leaving Ireland to rue a string of disallowed tries.
Background
Ireland arrived in France with genuine confidence, having recorded a nine-try victory over Italy and a strong second-half performance against England in earlier rounds. Captain Erin King had spoken of the team's desire to make history with a first away win against France, and Ireland's unchanged backline reflected head coach Scott Bemand's faith in his squad.
Key Developments
The match was a fiercely contested affair in the first half, with the teams level at 7-7 at the break. Ireland's only try came from hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald in the 11th minute, converted by Dannah O'Brien. France responded through Ambre Mwayembe, with Carla Arbez converting to level the scores.
However, Ireland's frustration mounted as the Television Match Official (TMO) disallowed two potential Irish tries in the first half — one for a double movement by Brittany Hogan and another for a knock-on by Emily Lane. A third potential try was also ruled out during the match, leaving Ireland's coaching staff visibly frustrated.
France took control in the second half, with Carla Arbez putting them ahead with a converted try in the 51st minute. Anais Grando added a third French try in the 68th minute, and Lea Champon secured the bonus-point victory with a try in the 79th minute, also converted by Arbez. The final score of 26-7 extended France's winning streak against Ireland to nine matches, with Ireland's last Women's Six Nations victory against Les Bleues coming in 2017.
Why It Matters
The victory keeps France on course for a potential Grand Slam showdown with England on the final day of the tournament. For Ireland, the defeat was a sobering reminder of the gap that still exists between the two sides, despite the team's recent progress. Head coach Scott Bemand acknowledged his side had learned a "tough lesson" by failing to convert their scoring opportunities.
What's Next
France will face England in what could be a Grand Slam decider on the final day of the Women's Six Nations. Ireland will look to regroup and finish the tournament on a positive note. Read the full BBC Sport report here.
