Taylor inspires but brave Ireland fall to French

RUGBY LEAGUE chiefs hope to build on the interest shown in Ireland’s first game at Thomond Park

Though the hosts lost 34-16 to France on Saturday, Rugby League Ireland general manager Gordon Matthews was delighted with the interest from fans in the union-mad city, with more than 3,000 in attendance.

Matthew said: “It was great to see a good crowd and we hope we can build on that and keep bringing league games to this fantastic stadium.”

Those present witnessed a stunning first half from the hosts who led 12-10 at the break with Tim Bergin, and Joe Taylor to the fore. But France stormed back on the restart with Thomas Bosc in deadly form with the boot. Fittingly Taylor had his hat-trick of tries with the last score of the game.

IRELAND: Greg McNally, Tim Bergin, Ian Cross, Elliot Cosgrove, Joe Taylor, Paul Handforth, Liam Finn, Kyle Amor, Bob Beswick, Luke Ambler, Tyrone McCarthy, Ged Corcoran, Callum Casey

Interchange: Pat Smith, Paddy Barcoe, James Haley, Aaron McCloskey

Referee: Richard Silverwood