Ireland/France: Ireland cling to victory

Ireland have recorded their first home victory over France since 1983 with an impressive performance at Lansdowne Road.

The Irish held on to a 22-15 lead, despite intense French pressure in the last five minutes.

They went in 9-3 up at half time, thanks to the boot of Ronan O'Gara, and went further ahead after the interval when Brian O'Driscoll ran 40 metres to put the ball down.

After consultation with the video judge, the try was awarded.

It proved to be a vital one as the French hit back with two of their own. Crucially however, kicker Christophe Lamaison missed the conversion of the second, meaning that the visitors could at best draw if they were to get another try.

It was a tense final few minutes at the end, with almost five minutes of injury time played, but ultimately it is a victory with which Ireland and man of the match O'Driscoll can be well pleased.