Ireland discover some answers against France but the big question remains

Irish coach Adam Griggs knows the chasm is there, even between sides who are totally amateur

Ireland’s Sene Naoupu is brought down by France’s Cyrielle Banet and Jade Ulutule during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations match at Energia Park, Donnybrook. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Women's Six Nations: Ireland 15 France 56

These sort of games were commonplace a quarter of a century ago as teams at different stages of the amateur-professional spectrum engaged in mismatched battles, and France dished out another dose of reality to Adam Griggs’ Ireland side at Energia Park on Saturday.