Scott Bemand: 'We don't want to be noble losers, we felt we could win'

This was an eighth straight loss to the French but it should only further belief that they have the beating of them if, as expected, these two meet again come the quarter-final stages of the World Cup later this year in England.

ONE THAT GOT AWAY: Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has rejected the tag of “noble losers” after a Six Nations defeat to France in Belfast which, he felt, they were in a position to win. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has rejected the tag of “noble losers” after a Six Nations defeat to France in Belfast which, he felt, they were in a position to win.

The hosts trailed 14-0 after 18 minutes but dragged the score back to 15-17 with 13 minutes to go before France caught a second wind and scored ten unanswered points to seal the win on the opening weekend of the 2025 Championship.