France defeated Ireland in their Women's Six Nations clash at Stade Marcel-Michelin, extending their winning streak over Ireland to 10 consecutive matches. Ireland have not beaten France in nine years.
Ireland's frustration was evident as they had three disallowed first-half tries and missed a penalty. France wing Anaïs Grando made a covering tackle to hold up Fiona Tuite over the line. Ireland full-back Stacey Flood said France should be 'worried if I was them'.
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand denied the match was a revenge mission for the Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit, in which France back row Axelle Berthoumieu was given a nine-game ban for biting Aoife Wafer. Ireland captain Erin King admitted the World Cup game added 'venom' to the encounter. Bemand said: 'The tough lesson is that when you get your chances you have to take your points.' He added: 'I'm incredibly proud of the effort. We know where we are heading and we just want to keep on getting better.'
France have not won the Six Nations in eight years, but were the last team to beat England in the tournament in 2018. Ireland are unlikely to finish higher than third this year. Meanwhile, England's injury list is growing, with Sadia Kabeya suffering a shoulder and pectoral muscle injury against Wales.