France v Ireland | Key Moments

Ireland are on track to win back to back Grand Slams as they thump 14 man France in Marseilles. Early on in the game Paul Willemse was yellow carded for a high tackle on to receive his marching orders jusdt before half time. Despite that set back the French struggled to get in the game for long periods. Here are the key moments.

1’ Crowley charged down and France counter attack after two kicks and eventually tackled out 15m from try line.

9’ Willemse yellow carded for a dangerous tackle on Porter who left for a HIA

11’ France defence holds firm, Crowley puts in a grubber kick but it goes to far and France restart quickly with a huge kick landing inside the Ireland half.

12’ High kick juggled and tapped back to Lucu, Ireland rush in to get the turnover but are pinged for a side entry.

14’ Lucu with a poor box kick, it goes too far and Lowe marks it 

15’ Lowe kick nearly goes out forcing deep clearing kick from France which gives Ireland a good attacking platform. Gibson-Park scores off the attacking line out with Aki at the heart of it

20’ Beirne charges Lucu down, Ireland strike quickly but a touch by Danty on the way to Aki give Ireland a scrum. Ireland end up being held up over the line. 

25’ McCarthy knocks on and France win a scrum penalty, Ramos gets France on the board

29’ France struggle on defence and Beirne hits a great line and scores

31’ Paul Willemse second yellow and he is off, France down to 14 for the rest of the game

33’ Beirne with a great defensive line out steal 5m from his try line

38 France win a scrum penalty and attack Keenan huge tackle to stop a certain try with France having advantage

41 France maul after the restart and win a penalty

44’ Porter turnover penalty kills France fast start. Nash scores off this attacking line out.

57 Beirne live out steal yet again but then Gibson-Park kicks direct to touch

59 Ireland scrum free kick and they kick high, Ireland retain the ball to put further pressure on France

69, France Break, Penaud hits the line with options but sends a skip pass out wide wasting a man on his shoulder.