‘Opportunity lost’, admits disappointed O’Connell

Ireland captain Paul O’Connell rued “an opportunity lost” last night following his side’s17-17 RBS 6 Nations draw with France at Stade de France.

Ireland had given themselves a sniff of a first victory in Paris since 2000 when they led 17-6 at half-time thanks in large part to two tries from Tommy Bowe.

The second half was a very different story though as a stuttering France began to find their feet and worked their way back into contention thanks to poor Irish discipline at the breakdown and being gifted a soft try for Wesley Fofana, levelling the scores within 15minutes of the restart.