Ireland lead but no try tally

Ireland 12, France 3 (half-time)

Free-scoring Ireland could not add to their try tally but led 12-3 against reigning RBS 6 Nations champions France at half-time in a tense match at Lansdowne Road.

Full-back Geordan Murphy gave them the lead with a first-minute drop goal and fly-half David Humphreys celebrated his 50th appearance with three perfectly-struck penalties, including a magnificent effort from the half-way line.

France’s only reply was a penalty from fly-half Francois Gelez, who missed the target with two others and also hit the woodwork with a drop-goal attempt.

Ireland were slow-starters in their last match against Italy and France dominated for long spells in the first half.

Their forwards were quicker to the break-down and, but for their inability to control the greasy ball, they would surely have enjoyed greater rewards.

Humphreys, Murphy and O’Driscoll all produced some superb touchfinding kicks but the French line-out was solid and they were easily able to clear the danger.

France should have been level on 24 minutes after Ireland were punished for pulling down a maul but Gelez pushed his penalty kick and Eddie O’Sullivan’s men made the most of the let-off.

Blockbusting centre Kevin Maggs went close to scoring after charging down Traille’s attempted clearance but Humphreys made it 9-3 with a second penalty on 31 minutes after the French were caught handling in the ruck.

There was disappointment for Ireland just before the break when lock Gary Longwell was forced off with a knee injury but they extended their lead in injury time when Serge Betsen was pulled up for foul play and the immaculate Humphreys put over a magnificent kick from the half-way line.

Gelez, in marked contrast, missed a second penalty and also hit the woodwork with a drop-goal attempt while Olivier Magne was literally thrown back from the line in a two-man tackle by Murphy and O’Driscoll.