Ireland fightback comes up short in Bordeaux

Romain Ntamack, son of former French star Emile, led the way as France opened their Six Nations campaign with a win but only after they held off a spirited Irish recovery.

It looked a damage limitation exercise for Ireland when they were blown away in the opening half and trailed by 22-3 at the break as Ntamack punished them.

But Ireland staged a good recovery and will hope to build on that second-half display for the remainder of the Six Nations and for when they return to France in June for the U20 World Cup when the hosts will be in their pool.