France secured a 26-7 victory over Ireland in their Women's Six Nations clash in Clermont. The win was built on a strong second-half performance after a tightly contested first half.
France's tries came from Ambre Mwayembe, who scored her first international try, Carla Arbez, who converted her own try to put France ahead for the first time, and Anais Grando and Lea Champon. Arbez's try and conversion were pivotal in shifting momentum.
We always want to win in Ireland regardless of who we play against.
Ireland had three tries disallowed by the Television Match Official in the first half, with Cliodhna Maloney-MacDonald scoring one try but also having two ruled out. Despite the setbacks, Ireland's players had expressed confidence before the match, with Aoife Wafer and Stacey Flood saying they 'owed' France a win and that France should be 'worried'.
Ireland entered the match on a high after a 57-20 win over Italy in Galway, where Beibhinn Parsons scored a hat-trick. According to BBC Sport, Parsons described the crowd as 'absolutely fantastic' and said it was 'a dream come true' to play in Galway in front of such an amazing crowd. The attendance for that match was 9,206, a record for an Ireland women's home game, and it was Ireland's first Women's Six Nations fixture in Galway.
We have got to take stock of this performance and go to France next week. We're going to go after ourselves, there are some things to tidy up from today but if we get t
France began their Six Nations campaign with a victory over Italy. The win over Ireland puts France in a strong position early in the tournament.
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand, according to BBC Sport, said the team always wants to win in Ireland regardless of the opponent. He added that they would take stock of the performance and go after themselves, with things to tidy up before facing France. The specific improvements Bemand wants to see are not detailed.
France's victory was comprehensive, but Ireland will look to bounce back in their next fixture. The Women's Six Nations continues to showcase competitive rugby, with France emerging as early contenders.