Ireland U21s fall to French counterparts

France 26 Ireland 8

Captain Stuart Philpott scored the Irish Under-21s' only try as they fell to France in the IRB World Championship in Issoire.

Two French tries in as many minutes at the end of the first quarter stunned Mark McDermott's side. Prop Yohann Montes and replacement scrum half Sebastien Tillous-Borde both scored.

Faced with a 14-0 interval deficit, the Irish roared back when the hosts lost lock Denys Drozdz to a yellow card. Hooker Philpott, who was sin-binned in the opening half, plunged over for a 52nd-minute try.

Centre Conan Doyle added a penalty but tries from Drozdz and winger Jacques Boussuge ended Ireland's fight.

Scorers: France: Tries: Yohann Montes, Sebastien Tillous-Borde, Denys Drozdz, Jacques Boussuge; Cons: Lionel Beauxis 2, Yann Fior

Ireland: Try: Stuart Philpott; Pen: Conan Doyle