Ireland U21s draw with France

Ireland’s youngsters escaped with a draw in Limoges last night after Regis Lespinas missed a conversion with 10 minutes to go which would have clinched victory for the hosts.

Mark McCall’s side had been on top for most of the game and led 10-8 at half-time thanks to tries from wingers Tommy Bowe and Richie Lane, although Yannick Nyanga’s effort, coupled with a Lespinas penalty, kept France in touch.

A try after the break from Glen Telford, converted by Garrett Steenson, put Ireland 17-15 ahead before Steenson added a penalty.

However, Julien Saubade crossed for the game’s sixth try in the 70th minute but the difficult conversion was missed by Lespinas and Ireland went home with a point.