Ireland put in battling performance but France power to victory in Six Nations opener

Scott Bemand will take plenty of positives from the trip to Le Mans. 

Ireland's Brittany Hogan comes up against Elisa Riffonneau of France. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP: France 38 Ireland 17 

Despite an encouraging end to the contest at Stade Marie-Marvingt in Le Mans, Ireland ultimately suffered a 21-point defeat at the hands of France in the opening round of the Women’s Six Nations Championship this afternoon.