James Lowe blows out the lights with an all-timer try against France

Patrick McCarry

This was sensational.

Ireland vs. France was teed up to be a Six Nations classic, and it certainly delivered in the first half of a pulsating contest at Aviva Stadium. James Lowe and Damian Penaud scored two crackers.

Ireland led France 7-6 after two Thomas Ramos penalties were shaded by a converted Hugo Keenan. Then, out of seemingly nowhere, Damian Penaud finished off an incredible France counter-attack that started inside their 22.

France were 13-7 to the good but Ireland answered back with a superb attack that ended with Garry Ringrose finding James Lowe out wide and the Leinster winger taking flight to score in the corner.

Incredible, incredible finish from James Lowe 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/7Y5cpy9Xlw

— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 11, 2023

Rugby fans all rave about James Lowe

Needless to say, fans and pundits were lapping up the sheer audacity of that Jams Lowe score:

This is BREATHLESS. The quality of rugby at its highest. James Lowe’s athleticism. Penaud’s stunner. Can’t get enough #IREvFRA

— Laura Winter (@lauracwinter) February 11, 2023

James Lowe pic.twitter.com/kytQPW0yWX

— Gavin O Callaghan (@gavinocal) February 11, 2023

That James Lowe try is absolutely ridiculous. Incredible athleticism to get his body in that position and not touch the flag! 😎#SixNations2023 #IREvFRA

— ℂ𝕣𝕒𝕚𝕘 ℙ𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕖r (@portercraig1) February 11, 2023

This angle showed that the right boot of James Lowe may have brushed off the ground, though:

https://twitter.com/brettruganalyst/status/1624419178709909504

Not everyone was in full agreement, though:

Don’t know why refs are put in a position to make an on field decision. When it’s that tight, should just be about video evidence. No try for me

— Ugo Monye (@ugomonye) February 11, 2023

Ahead of the game, James Lowe spoke of his admiration for Les Bleus, and their attacking weapons.

“They’re a world-class side, they’ve shown it for a good couple of years,” he told reporters. “Their nine-10 combo [Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack] is pretty scary, their back-rowers are world-class, a midfield that’s very dangerous and a back three that would put the sh***ers up most teams.

“Individually they’ve got some pretty good firepower, so hopefully they don’t string it all together.

And still, we were only warming up…