IRELAND 5-21 FRANCE
Fair play to Jenny Murphy for saying France were in Ireland’s way before this match but, unfortunately for the World Cup hosts, she was swatted aside. So was just about every woman that pulled on the green jersey at UCD.
Having overcome Australia and Japan coming into this match, Ireland had semi final fate in their own hands. France snatched that away in emphatic, disdainful style and march on.
One of the most remarkable, rousing sights on a night where Ireland refused to bow down, despite the gulf in class, was the standing ovation the players received after the final whistle. They were beaten tonight yet they remain heroes and role models to so many.
Truly incredible standing ovation for @IrishRugby despite their loss. Still heroes to so, so many pic.twitter.com/pAPZZK5Kdo
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) August 17, 2017
Ireland would have been well aware that France would tear into them at the start but they could not stem Les Bleus’ tide. They were 7-0 behind after eight minutes when flanker Romane Menager got over on the right flank.
In front of a sell-out, boisterous crowd, Ireland attempted to gain some sort of foothold in the pool match but it was not easy for a single second. Crisp passing, blistering pace, line breaks to beat the band and fearsome tackling – France were playing the same game but they looked on another planet.
So wonderful to see @BrianODriscoll and a host of other rugby stars out in support #COYGIG https://t.co/H0rlgdJMze
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 17, 2017
14-0 down after France centre Caroline Ladagnous ghosted past some flailing Irish arms, the cause looked bleak. Ireland have shown spirit without looking in top form in this tournament and that came to the fore in a 10-minute spell that saw the French defence tested.
It held out and drove the green jerseys back. When they wrested possession back they made it count – Ladagnous getting over after a battering carry from Julie Duval. That score was converted too and the hosts trudged in 21-0 down at the break.
Ireland knew the next score had to be from them and started the second half very well. They had penalty advantage a couple of times on the French line but could never find that magic burst, jink or secondary drive to get the ball down.
They were agonisingly close to scoring but a Nicole Cronin pass to Cliodhna Moloney went to ground and the scrum went to France. The sin-binning of France lock Lenaig Corson came and went and still Ireland could not get off ‘0’.
Phase after phase. Drive after drive. And it was met by amazing French resistance. It was stirring stuff… except if you were Irish.
All hope had pretty much gone by the 68th minute but it took a hapless knock-on from Molloy with two teammates outside her to drive home that this was not Ireland’s night. Their tournament to host but not their one to win.
There would be a late consolation to get House of Pain pumping and the home fans on their feet. Moloney finished off another long period of pressure to make it 21-5. They never stopped and, after the clock went red, they breached French lines and the crowd let them know their efforts were appreciated.
Ireland will travel to Belfast in the coming days but they will not be playing for the main prize, merely as high a finish as possible. France were too good and they have the talent to win this World Cup outright.
