Ireland stay on course for win

Ireland 12, France 3 (half-time)

Ireland remain on course for three wins out of three as they lead France by 12-3 at half-time in their Six Nations clash against les Bleus at Lansdowne Road.

Three penalty goals, and a drop-goal by Geordan Murphy, saw the home side take the advantage in the opening 40 minutes.

The swirling wind caused all sorts of problems for both sides but it could not prevent Geordan Murphy opening the scoring with just 60 seconds on the clock.

Prop Sylvain Marconnet’s handling let him down on the French 22 and, from the first scrum of the game, the full-back took Peter Stringer’s pass and calmly slotted over the three-pointer from 35 metres out.

France’s early threat came from the surging runs of centre Damien Traille and they should have scored a try on seven minutes when the visiting forwards mauled to within a couple of feet of the Irish line only for hooker Raphael Ibanez to fumble the ball as he eyed glory.

A timely, if unlikely, interception by giant lock Malcolm O’Kelly broke up another lively French raid and, although the Lion was inevitably hunted down after a 40-metre gallop, it set the position for Ireland to increase the lead.

The French were caught offside 20 metres out and David Humphreys judged the wind perfectly to curl the ball through the uprights to make it 6-0.

Francois Gelez, who scored 18 points in his side’s win over Scotland a fortnight ago, pulled three points back on 14 minutes when Ireland strayed offside and he slotted over a 40-metre penalty.

Humphreys added his second penalty in the 32nd minute as France gave away a penalty for hands on the floor after a Kevin Maggs break.

Five minutes later lock Gary Longwell went off with an injured knee, with Leo Cullen taking his place.

Ireland just had time to add another penalty before the break - Humphreys with an excellent strike to lead by nine at the interval.