France vs Ireland LIVE: Women’s Six Nations result, final score and reaction as France secure bonus point win
Follow all the Women’s Six Nations latest updates and live action from France vs Ireland
Ireland are still searching for their first win of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations after being overwhelmed 40-5 by France in Toulouse.
Outside centre Eve Higgins crossed under the posts for the visitors in the 56th minute but it was a lone highlight on a difficult afternoon at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
It was the second time Higgins had touched down but an earlier try was ruled out by the TMO.
Ireland were hampered by a high penalty count but having trailed 26-0 at half-time, leaking four tries in the process, they improved after the interval.
Livewire France scrum-half Laure Sansus ran in tries in each half to emerge as the most effective player for the hosts, who have now collected a maximum 10 match points after two rounds.
France 40-5 Ireland, 82 minutes
And Ireland dive right over the top of a ruck and knock the ball from Alexandra Chambon’s hands, allowing France a chance to advance with the penalty. A last chance to attack.
France 40-5 Ireland, 81 minutes
Ireland play the ball way quickly but Lucy Mulhall is held well in a tackle down the right. Edel McMahon’s handle is loose and she loses control of the ball as she carries, but France somewhat strangely boot the ball upfield rather than either ending the game or playing themselves.
They have it back reasonably soon, though.
France 40-5 Ireland, 79 minutes
Emma Hooban has really tidied up the Irish lineout since coming on. She hits her jumper well at the front after plenty of movement in the Irish line, and France then collapse the maul.
Kathryn Dane plays the penalty quickly. Maelle Filopon jumps out of the line - is that a deliberate knock-on? No - looked a clear attempt to grasp the ball, and the centre very nearly did, too. Ireland scrum on the French 22 with the clock ticking towards the red.
France 40-5 Ireland, 77 minutes
Irish possession inside their own half. A couple of forwards pick and go to no avail, and then Celine Ferer and Julie Annery combine to plant an Irish carrier on her back.
Nicole Cronin jinks as she seeks a gap towards the left touchline, but is grabbed at the ankles. France fail to vacate the ruck and are penalised.
France 40-5 Ireland, 77 minutes
Irish possession inside their own half. A couple of forwards pick and go to no avail, and then Celine Ferer and Julie Annery combine to plant an Irish tackler on her back.
Nicole Cronin jinks as she seeks a gap towards the left touchline, but is grabbed at the ankles. France fail to vacate the ruck and are penalised.
France 40-5 Ireland, 75 minutes
The home fans give themselves a round of applause after a joyful performance of “La Marseillaise”. I think the Stade Ernest-Wallon have enjoyed their team’s performance, even if Ireland have held them at bay for much of the second half.
France 40-5 Ireland, 74 minutes
Laure Sansus is named as the Player of the Match, which felt like a straightforward call for the host broadcaster.
Rare scrum joy for Ireland - France have driven virtually however they have wanted this afternoon but Anaelle Deshaye is picked up for an improper angle on this occasion.
France 40-5 Ireland, 72 minutes
The bounce just evades Melissande Llorens! A smart choice from Jessy Tremouliere, recognising the space out wide after her forwards had created some midfield craters. The replacement lifts her kick nicely for the corner, and as it sits up on the first hop it appears as if Llorens will gather and score.
But bounces two and three are less kind, hopping like a rabbit rather keen not to be grasped by the onrushing Llorens. It skips away from the left wing.
France 40-5 Ireland, 70 minutes
Another scrum penalty against Ireland, this time for standing up. Cyrielle Banet’s wide pass is more broad brush stroke than pointillist precise, so France will go back for the advantage.
TRY! FRANCE 40-5 Ireland (Emilie Boulard try, 68 minutes)
And a simple run-in for Emilie Boulard! Ireland weren’t back ten when they desperately cut down Jessy Tremouliere, so France can play with all the freedom they need. Gabrielle Vernier pulls back her pass to centre partner Maelle Filopon, who could probably have crossed herself but recognises that an arriving Boulard outside her will have an even more straightforward scoring task.
Tremouliere adds the extra two points from the tee.
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