Ireland make France battle to the end for title

France 23 Ireland 13

Taggart drew Ireland level with 14 minutes remaining but a third penalty from Baptiste Serin clinched the title for Fabien Pelouse’s side.

Despite facing a physically dominant French side, Mike Ruddock’s side got off to a fine start and after flanker Yacouba Camara conceded France’s third penalty in opening five minutes, Conor McKeon landed a tricky kick from the right to give Ireland a 3-0 lead.