Ireland in one-point lead

Ireland are in a one-point lead against France in today's RBS Six Nations clash, leading by 10 points to 9 after 22 minutes.

Ireland could not have made a more explosive start with Luke Fitzgerald crossing after two minutes, only for Gordon D'Arcy's final pass correctly to be called forward.

Two minutes later they breached the whitewash, capitalising when Poitrenaud dropped the ball as France launched a kamikaze attack from their own 22.

Leinster winger Fergus McFadden, playing his second Test, pounced on the loose ball and then reappeared a few phases later to burrow over from close range.

Sexton converted and France’s disastrous opening continued when they sent the restart straight into touch, though a mistake from scrum-half Tomas O’Leary eased the pressure.

It was the champions’ turn to attack and Ireland defended until straying offside and Morgan Parra landed the penalty.

Back on the offensive, Declan Kidney’s team almost released McFadden into space but Sexton’s pass was too weighted.

An almighty cheer sounded in the 16th minute when France’s scrum, fresh from pulverising Scotland last week, collapsed.

It was a moral victory for the much-maligned Irish front row and Sexton kicked the ensuing penalty to rub salt into the wound, though Parra replied in kind soon after.