Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: France edge out Ireland at a packed Aviva Stadium

Monday, February 14, 2011

France edge out Ireland at a packed Aviva Stadium

France beat Ireland 25-22 in Dublin yesterday in what was the defending champions' second straight win of the 2011 Six Nations championship. Poor discipline ultimately cost Ireland, who actually scored three tries to the one of the visiting French.

Ireland went ahead through Fergus McFadden while Morgan Parra kicked the points on offer for the visitors. A late try in the first half to Tomos O’Leary meant that Ireland went into the halftime break 15-12 up.

Parra and Dimitri Yachvili gave France the lead though, before Maxime Medard took them to 25-15 with his try, only to have Ireland come back into it with a Jamie Heaslip try after a sustained period of pressure. Ronan O’Gara dutifully slotted the conversion.

As the clock ticked down with only a three point margin, France did what they could to run it down but slipped up and spilt the ball, giving Ireland one last chance, which they failed to take advantage of.

"We had a chance with three minutes to go. We were 10 yards from their line, they were scrambling but we coughed up another ball,” said Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll.

"I thought we were going to do to them what they did to us at Croke Park four years ago when they won in the last minute, but again we coughed up the ball too easily.

"The chance was there for us to take it but we didn't. That's a bitter enough pill to swallow. We felt like we had massive capability to score tries. The chances were there but we weren't clinical and that's what's killing us."

French coach Marc Lievremont was pleased with his team’s ability to stay in the game despite conceding well worked tries. "They managed to score tries and put us under pressure over 80 minutes. With more patience we'll learn to find solutions to these problems.

"I liked the way we bounced back. It could have been a totally disastrous match but we fought our way back. Ireland could have won but overall we played well," he said.

If there are any incidents from the game that you think should be featured on here over the next week, please post a comment, a request, or send in an email with the details.

Time: 04:55

arse

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 12:44 pm
There's a new take on 'first'. I like it.

Well done to France.

By Scotsdale, at February 14, 2011 12:47 pm
ARSE 3

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 12:50 pm
I won't complain since we won Ireland on their soil but I have to say we are going to have a very hard time in 2 weeks against England.

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 12:51 pm
well done France!
it was a very closed and passionate match. Both teams did awful mistakes: poitrenaud knock-on on the 1st try VS numerous fouls from the irish.

Ireland attacked very well and scored on each of their 3 occasions with very efficient pick & go. But there were awful in defensive rucks, they could have been penalised by few yellow cards

In an other hand, france showed a lot of mental rather quality attacks. It was not the day of huget and traille. I would put clerc on wing and bring back jauzion for england.
Medard and Rougerie were awesome as usual

France is not ready for the crunch now. rebuild the defence system will be the key against the english "rectiline" attacks. go back to work dudes, approximations are not allowed at high level

By Colombes, at February 14, 2011 1:07 pm
ps: as usual, biased comments from bbc or sky. when France score, it seems a funeral or sad thing. world rugby won't expand itself to others countries with such reactions :(

bad luck for ireland, france was more clinical

By BAIONA, at February 14, 2011 1:14 pm
Well, I've not seen the match, so I just take the victory. From what I read, Ireland was efficient, they scored every time they came, but very indisciplined in defense and not penalised by yellow card(s). As usual, I would add. Btw, forward pass on the last try is so obvious: you can check with the 5m line... Where was the ref/assistant looking?

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 1:16 pm
half arsed attempt at a tackle from Darcy made the difference in the end, he had a howler against Italy and was well below his best here, maybe Bowe can step into the centre in time for the next game? Would love to see BoD and Bowe in the middle with Earls Kearney and Fitzgerald behind them!

By Jack78, at February 14, 2011 1:17 pm
@jack 78 - thats a good idea putting bowe in the centre, darcy isnt on form atm.
anyone else think that the ref was a bit quick to blow the whistle on Ireland?

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 1:27 pm
Anyone see why O'Connell and O'Driscoll were shouting at the referee for in the first half? Cameras didn't show anything.

By Denis O'Sullivan, at February 14, 2011 1:30 pm
Sky and BBC comments are always favouring the others teams when France is playing.

Good game by Ireland. The French were just mentally stronger.
The French are never stronger than when predicted to be losers.

In effect, at the minute, England is a hell of a lot more impressive, but I really don't think you will see a repeat of the debacle two years ago.
England might lose!

By the Way, time for Higet to step aside and let the big boys deal with the game. Clerc MUST start next time along with Medard and Poitrenaud (who will have glue on his hands next week)!

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 1:31 pm
can anyone explain why darcy is still on the pitch in an irish shirt, totally crap!

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 1:37 pm
Pretty good game. If the Irish hadn't been so focused on being assholes maybe their forwards could have played some rugby, in which case france had no shot at winning. Once again, the Irish don't seem to understand that being disciplined is more important that feeling satisfaction at pissing the opponents off. Maybe this time they'll learn.

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 1:53 pm
@Denis O'Sullivan - O'Connell and O'Driscoll were shouting at the ref throughout the game. Really footballer-ish behaviour and I don't know what they thought it would achieve.

By Von, at February 14, 2011 2:19 pm
Well done France, they seemed to win that without really trying. Very frustrating for Ireland - 3 tries, but 19 errors!! That is just not acceptable and it looks like yesterday was a continuation of the malaise we saw against Italy.

By Mike, at February 14, 2011 2:31 pm
Anyone see why O'Connell and O'Driscoll were shouting at the referee for in the first half?

I'm not sure about O'Connell, but I think O'Driscoll was very angry about some stamping in a ruck. I heard him say 'will you talk to him?' and the ref said yes. He then called over one of the French players and just said 'no stamping please'. France had been awarded a penalty kick at the time of this discussion and Parra went on to kick it.

I guess the referee or the assistants didn't see anything wrong or they would have reversed the penalty.

By Mike, at February 14, 2011 2:35 pm
"Sky and BBC comments are always favouring the others teams when France is playing."

How strange, considering where the companies are based and the countries they cover?

Canal+ Fr is always in favour for France when they're playing non-French sides too, weird eh?

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 2:37 pm
no, you're wrong.

watchin a game on France 2, the commentators will cheer for both teams. I've watched england -i taly on french tv and they were applauding england every play intentions.

bbc and sky way to comment is often embarassing

By to above anon, at February 14, 2011 2:44 pm
Once again, a BBC highlights producer thinks that a five-minute highlights clip should feature complete footage of every bloody penalty kick and close-ups of the kickers' faces as they trot back to their half.

I would much rather see the final 2-3 phases of play that led to the penalty being awarded and the offence itself. The kick either goes over or it doesn't - it's not, in my opinion, a highlight in itself and putting so much emphasis on this area is a waste of valuable time if you've only got five minutes to play with.

By Von, at February 14, 2011 2:54 pm
2 things lost it for ireland:
darcy's missed tackle and cronin's knock on

and of course the bbc will be biased towards the non-english speaking team considering they broadcast to each of the four countries that speak the language

france 2 commentators aren't biased in an england v italy game? how wonderfully objective of them while covering non-french-speaking teams

By bergemasco, at February 14, 2011 3:03 pm
"no, you're wrong.

watchin a game on France 2, the commentators will cheer for both teams. I've watched england -i taly on french tv and they were applauding england every play intentions."

LOL biggest load of crap ever. I watch France 2 and I'm fluent in french and the commentators are always like "come on we have to get the ball wide now, come on we can do this, this is good lets go" etc etc... French commentators are the most biased by far so stfu.

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 3:05 pm
I don't really think France won, rather Ireland lost. how many penalties did we give away in our own half to silly mistakes? Just handed them the match on a platter :(

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 3:09 pm
I've never disliked the guy, as he seemed to be Ireland's best option at 12, but when was Godron D'Arcy ever exceptionally good?? Was he?

When Kidney ignores Connacht completely, D'Arcy is at Leinster and with McFadden who Kidney puts on wing, Paddy "I can't go 20 minutes without getting injured" Wallace is at Ulster, and Munster fills its 12's with Kiwis...what is Ireland to do? How about Cave, Whitten, O'Malley, Griffin, etc. - there are tons of young guys on these squads but Kidney puts in D'Arcy game in and game out. Why?

And how recidivist can one side be? How many times can you go through 12 phases with your forwards before you realize, "Hey, maybe we should've spread it out wide half a dozen phases ago..." And O'Leary ought to stop worrying about getting bigger arms and spend more time quickening his delivery. If he and Stringer could create a baby a la Arnold Schwarzenegger in Junior, that would be great.

France played like shit and Ireland still lost.

By Disappointed, at February 14, 2011 3:43 pm
Best game of the weekend to watch.

Was it just me or was the ref very quick on calling up both teams for not rolling away or diving over the ball in a ruck until the play after the Irish hooker knocked it on and the french slowed it down. The french seemed to be laying all over the ball

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 4:09 pm
The BBC and Sky were biased? Galthrié, the French commentator, was the most biased, condescending commentator I have ever heard. Even the French are complaining about him. Completely disrespectful towards the Irish. No need for it.

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 4:44 pm
Personally, I don't understand French well enough to comment on whether French commentators are biased when France play, but I can say that the Irish commentators on RTE always have great respect (almost reverence) for the French team and the French style of play.

By Mike, at February 14, 2011 5:02 pm
as an irish-american rugby player, it sucks to wake up early to catch a match that ireland eventually lost, but it was hard fought and fun to watch

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 5:28 pm
"France played like shit and Ireland still lost."
Agreed!
But I'm French so I'm 1/3 happy and 2/3 disappointed.

Hope we play real rugby have a real defense against Ireland.

By Maximus, at February 14, 2011 5:35 pm
'If he and Stringer could create a baby a la Arnold Schwarzenegger in Junior, that would be great.'

They have and he's name is Duncan Williams. Best SH in Ire. Has O'Leary's physicality and nearly as good a passer as Strings. Probably Munster's best player in defeat to Treviso.

Can someone (Leinster fan) tell me what Sexton actually does that makes him no.1?

Oh, he's a running 10 you say. Bullshit. Wraps don't work against the best defenses and thats all he does (poorly it has to be said), yes, he isn't being helped by O'Leary and Darcy but alot of it was down to himself. Ire aren't going to beat the big teams (Aus, SA, NZ, FRA) with him at 10. He has no clue how to manage a game. And O'Leary can't be blamed for some of his atrocious passing to his Leinster colleagues.

Also, I'm thinking of applying for Tom McGurk's job on RTE. He hasn't a notion about the game and just tries to get a rise out of Hook and brings up the same points all the time. He closed yesterday by saying, 'Well done Ireland, ye did us proud'. What?? 19 errors, France had 1 attack all game and they did us proud!!!!

By Blahhhhhh, at February 14, 2011 6:20 pm
Gotta say, a team that scores tries should beat a team that kicks goals. On the one hand, I agree with the current state of things where a penalized team is almost instantly punished on the scoreboard, but on the other, it puts me to sleep when the team awarded the penalty instantly choose to kick for goal (especially since kickers these days can slot it home from close to or past halfway).

There has to be some sort of benefit installed for running the ball out of a penalty (I know it happens- I just want it to happen more). Perhaps make penalties worth 1 point from within the 22, 2 points from elsewhere, and missed penalties are treated as out-on-the-full, where the defending team gets a lineout where the kick was taken.

But then again, that might just encourage more players to commit violations, kill the ball and slow down the game that way. Damn. What's to be done?

By bored forward, at February 14, 2011 6:46 pm
Okay, the handling isn't as good as Super Rugby, but I love the history and passion of the 6 Nations. It's fantastic!

By tb, at February 14, 2011 6:58 pm
@ "bored forward": the thing is, the team that is penalized, gets penalized BECAUSE they illegally prevent the other team from running the ball.

If the irish forwards had not slowed down every ball in the ruck, Parra would have given much more balls to Trinh Duc, and the French would probably have scored tries too!

As a spectator, I wouldn't blame the side who scores penalties for lack of running the ball, I'd rather blame the other team for preventing the ball to be run! I'd say the French are finally getting a good back side, and if the Irish had seen yellow as they deserved at some point, we'd probably have seen more tries from the French!

what do you say?

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 7:02 pm
I don't think so, Anonymous. Ireland's defense was almost worse than Scotland's in recent matches, but France didn't seem to understand that if they'd just put the ball to their backs, Ireland's line would almost invite them on through.

The few times that Trinh-Duc lined up deep, the backs made great line breaks (unfortunately, as I was cheering for Ireland...); if they'd kept that up, that's how they might've scored more tries.

As for killing the ball, granted I was partly focusing on drinking in a bar as well, I don't think Ireland played nearly as cynical as you make it out to be. Sure, they did it enough that they deserved almost all of their penalties (some were harsh, but with BOD being uncharacteristically bitchy at the ref, I don't blame him for penalizing Ireland any chance he got), but France killed the ball often enough as well (just not as blatantly or cynically).

By Disappointed, at February 14, 2011 7:53 pm
Third try : Ogara drops the ball to kick it, but misses it => knock-on

By D0m3, at February 14, 2011 8:15 pm
Shocking how much depth the French have at number 9 really.

Also, given the performances these last two weeks I don't fully understand why Sexton is getting the number 10 shirt over O'Gara...

By Chambo, at February 14, 2011 8:29 pm
What about the 1st try? I'm not sure about the rule here but i thought it was a double movement from O'Leary, no? He's tackled, falls short of the line, then should he not release the ball at once?
Can someone explain please?
The French were dreadful in many areas and i'm afraid they'll be trashed by the English who are far quicker. Traille + Huget need to be dropped. Jauzion/Rougerie at centers, Clerc, Medard on the wings, Poitrenaud as full back.

By Frenchy, at February 14, 2011 9:52 pm
for fuck sake!! we can be a great team stop ur bitching!! ok a few changes and we would have a great team, cullen and touhy around the squad for competition, redan at 9 with the ulster and munster duncan to take over after world cup
mc fadden 13 bod 12 14 bowe why would u move one of the best wigers from their best position?? fitz kearny and earls to rotate 15 11 and bench!! sexton will play better with a good scrum half he has obviously been told not to kick the ball!!! rog was told to change the game plan!! rog can't defend thats why he doesn't start italys try was because rog was on the pitch and sucked in the defense cos darcy and the covering drift had to pick up the door mat!!!

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 10:02 pm
Blaaaaaa! - "They have and he's name is Duncan Williams. Best SH in Ire. Has O'Leary's physicality and nearly as good a passer as Strings. Probably Munster's best player in defeat to Treviso."

I'm a big Munster fan and spent the whole game screaming for quicker ball and less predictability from Williams, not the answer.....

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2011 10:17 pm
O'Driscoll and O'Connell lost it because when McFadden was penalised at the ruck, Traille went over to grab the ball, but stood on McFadden's arm. I think O'Driscoll's reaction stemmed from the fact that Pearson clearly saw it, but chose not to act. For anybody who can access the RTE Player, its 1 hour, 0 mins in, and 17 mins into the game.

It wasn't exactly vicious from Traille, but it would have certainly warranted a penalty and a warning if it took place at a ruck. Unless Pearson had his eyes wide shut, he had to have seen it. He was looking straight at it. Clear penalty reversal in my view.

By John C, at February 14, 2011 10:29 pm
Exlamation-point-happy Anonymous: And France's try was because D'Arcy decided he'd rather lay on the pitch and take a nap than wrap his arms up and stop a French back. What's that got to do with anything?

I don't remember Sexton exactly being a top-notch defender either.

And the lineup you've listed has more or less been tried, numerous times, to no avail. So, what exactly is there to stop us from "bitching"?

By good grief, at February 14, 2011 11:15 pm
Frenchy:

The Law in question (I'm assuming it's the same number in the French version of the law book) should be a combination of 15.5 (c), (f), and (g), I'd guess.

Have a look yourself:
http://www.irblaws.com/FR/downloads/

Momentum carried O'Leary close enough that his first and only immediate course of action - placing the ball down in any direction, including forward - was enough to be considered a try.

There's always a bit of doubt if the player seems to use another arm to sort of "push" himself off the ground a little bit, but I think most refs and TMOs judge it where if the player is just pushing himself up so that he can free his other arm to place the ball, then that's fair enough. But if there's an attempt to keep pushing himself forward using his legs, knees, and hands - crawling on the ground, as it were - then that would be illegal.

And I think you're right, except that I think Traille could be kept on as a replacement fullback. He doesn't belong at flyhalf or center for France, though.

By good grief, at February 14, 2011 11:23 pm
France is playing like England used to play and England is playing like France used to play... Worrying from a French point of view...

By Gman, at February 15, 2011 12:15 am
Have to agree with the assessment of D'Arcy, I don't Irish rugby that well but there must be a better option at 12.

Sexton is a very good defender, I've seen him dump the London Irish 12, and will get better with games. ROG is a complete liability on defense but has found a decent niche. Just don't put him on to defend a lead with the ball in your 22!

If Reddan would have went blind after the first ruck after Earls's kick, either he or Earls would have scored.

First time I've seen Earls do something useful in a big match.

French were lethal and deserving.

However, I must say I don't like the way rugby is going with the professional cynicism at the ruck. Attacking players basically take a obligatory step over the ball, fall down and create a barrier to protect the ball. It's really quite boring to watch, especially at the end of a match. I wish refs would call it like it is, going off the feet. It would create more turnovers and open up the game more.

Entertaining match though best of the 6 nations so far. Can't wait for le crunch

By Canadian Content, at February 15, 2011 12:39 am
France kick so much it is so annoying,
Ireland should have won

By Anonymous, at February 15, 2011 2:16 am
BAIONA the commentators from BBC always favour British and irish teams. Not just against France, against anyone, eg Australia, South africa, NZ, France, Argentina etc.
They are one eyed not only for their own team but also the other Home Country teams. You just have to get used to it.

The second try looked like it went over the line. No problem with that being a try at all.

Overall, not that impressed with either team.
France's defence is not impressive, and their attack is ok but not fantastic. Beyond their excellent scrum and the individual physical abilities of their players (considerable), they have few strengths. Even their kicking game needs work. It must be frustrating, as they have all the resources and players needed to be the complete package.

Ireland has not adjusted to the emphasis on the breakdown. Their game plan during their run in 2009 was based on their ability to slow the ball down at the ruck and keep the score board ticking at the other end.
Now that they are being forced to play the ruck legally (like everyone else) and can't kill the ball illegally, that game plan has gone out the window.

England has been the only team to really impress so far in the 6 nations, and appear to be the only major threat to NZ, Aus and SA at the WC.

By Tom, at February 15, 2011 3:09 am
Not a very entertaining game that's for sure.
France need to work on different things: the defense, get more interesting attacking phases, intelligent kicking to gain territory and ease off the presssure and eliminate as much silly mistakes. If France play the same way against England, they are gonna lose for sure!

By Anonymous, at February 15, 2011 4:13 am
Surely Kidney has to replace D'Arcy now? A shame but he's never really lived up to his potential

James Downey of Northampton could be the answer. Has had a great couple of seasons, is part of a winning team and is a big lad who BOD might enjoy playing off - a la him and Jamie Roberts for the Lions

By Paolo, at February 15, 2011 12:12 pm
What a strange game....

France was lucky to win. Should have not happened if Ireland was a bit more accurate (same vs Italy)

France defense was/is desastrous and even if the Irish slowed the ball in the ruck, we were not able to create anything and played with a bit of flair or a minimum of creativity.

This is really worrying in prospect of the Crunch. If the forwards do not dominate (as we saw vs the Irish) then there is no solution or back up plan......

I am preparing to watch several Swan dives in 2 weeks time. England will show us what a XV team should be after 2 years of proper work and consistency.

About the biased commentories of our beloved (or not) TV channels. Of course, they are all partially biased that they are Anglo Saxons or French whenever their team is playing. But in fairness, I found the BBC presentators/pundits (exception good old J. Guscott) and France2 Galthier pleasant to hear. There is far worth on both side of the channel....

Last unbiaed commentators???? May be Bill Mc Claren

By Flipje, at February 15, 2011 2:58 pm
Look at O'Connell at 1:06. Cynical foul once again, no wonder why Irish were penalized so often. And they knew exactly what they were doing...

By Dalma, at February 15, 2011 5:50 pm
Ireland definately lost this game as opposed to France winning it, as an Irishman was very frustrating to watch.

With regards to the Sexton debate, I feel Sexton has to be the 10 because while neither he nor O'Gara is playing great rugby, at least Sexton isnt a liability in defence.

And for 12, D'Arcy has had two poor games, dont write him off so soon but I feel the long-term solution at 12 is Nevin Spence at Ulster, a very impressive young player.

Tomás O'Leary is definately the number 1 scrumhalf, just needs to knock off the ring-rust from his game

By Unce, at February 15, 2011 10:07 pm
@ Good Grief
Cheers mate, very clear.
Ireland should have won that game played vs a poor French team. Though i think the numerous mistakes, ball lost in French 22...helped a lot Ireland to stay in the game: Poitreneau shocker in 1st half, and poor placement by Medard(?) in 2nd half cost us a try each time. Clearly France need to defend better vs. England, if not i fear we could have the same result as vs Australia...oh god...
Biased commentators? I like watching rugby on the BBC except when Brian Moore is on air...He's a disgrace, i can't stand him.
The guys on the BBC can be at times not too fair but the same can be said about the French commentators.

By Frenchy, at February 16, 2011 12:07 am
Good old Ireland de neva like de pressure.

By Anonymous, at February 16, 2011 6:24 am
Another one that got away from Ireland. At least it was a passionate performance, there was alot of handling errors, but that is bound to happen with the types of passing and offloads we do, I think we try and go for the miracle pass too often when we would be better off holding onto the ball.Indiscipline cost us without a doubt.

I personally think Darcy as iv highlighted on a number of these posts throughout the years, is an average at best rugby player, he had one good season in 2004 where he scored two tries against a dire Scottish team at the time. since 2004 he has amassed a mind boggling 5 TRIES in 7 years! He doesnt get over the gainline like he did for a few years, hes lost alot of pace through injury, he is an awful passer of the ball. I think Ireland need a new number 12. is Paddy Wallace the answer? No. I would like to see mcfadden put in there he is well able to tackle and is more at home in the centre. Or alternatively playing with Northampton is James Downey, a player the English press are falling over raving about him, hes a big guy and look at how well o driscoll played alongside Roberts in the lions tour. Allow Downey to take the ball on, suck in two defenders, pop it to o Driscoll and go from there I say.

We cannot complain that the way we are playing is exciting, it isnt the drab pick and go type that other nations have slated us about for years (I personally enjoy it)if we can try and cut down the mistakes we can no doubt be a force

By Paul Gormley, at February 16, 2011 10:43 am
Paul, interesting points.
In terms of 'miracle passes', those are exactly the types of passes that will make Ireland a world class team and capable of challenging the top teams.
They really need to simply increase their skill levels.
Australia and NZ (and SA and England on a good day) make those passes stick.
That's the way the game is headed, higher skill levels equal success.
Catching and passing skills are all important.
Ireland has the right idea, they just need to be good enough to make it work.

By Tom, at February 17, 2011 1:40 am
Lol at the Irish saying the victory was lucky, that it was Ireland who lost it and so on.

Ireland cheated all day long in the rucks, that's why the game was ugly (slow balls, penalties all the time). Even with the ref blowing one out of two penalties that Ireland actually deserved, France managed to win it.

Expect a very different game against the English who actually can play some rugby and don't just concentrate on fucking up the game.

Cheers

By tehsniper, at February 17, 2011 3:35 pm
PS.

Frist Irish try: Gift from Poitrenaud
Third Irish try: Lucky bounce then forward pass.

Ireland was lucky.

By tehsniper, at February 17, 2011 3:36 pm
Did nobody actually notice that the last pass during the French try was forward, at least 2 or 3 yards forward ? Watch it in slow motion and you'll see. French definitely lucky to get away with this win.

By JJ, at March 23, 2011 9:31 am