After Scotland’s shock win over Wales, Ireland have the opportunity to jump to the top of the Six Nations leaderboard with a win over France today.
Going into the second half, that prospect is within Ireland’s grasp thanks to a try from Conor Murray, after trojan work by Jamie Heaslip
Two penalties from Camille Lopez saw Ireland 6-0 down by 20 minutes, having offered very little by way of offensive threat for the first 20 minutes.
However, Ireland seized the advantage on the half hour, taking a scrum after being awarded a penalty and bulldozing their way towards the French try-line.
Naturally, France came back at Ireland immediately after the restart with some big hits, but Ireland stood firm and O’Brien won the penalty as the game gathered pace with the whistle approaching. Ireland had clear chances to widen the deficit, but frustrated their fans by blowing it inches from the tryline.
Ireland lead by a point in the Aviva at half-time, here’s what Irish fans on Twitter had to say:
TRY!!!!!! Murray gets it down but what about that bulldozer work from Heaslip?!
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) February 25, 2017
Ringrose absolutely destroyed that ruck to give Murray the space. Early missed tackle but has been brilliant since
— Rhys Ruddock All Stars Fan (@GifsRugbyNStuff) February 25, 2017
Thrilling game of rugby as tiny Ireland fight back against mighty France. Nice try by Conor Murray to keep the game close. #IREvFRA pic.twitter.com/sSv2ewcjgk
— Mikhail (@bellsworld) February 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/Ormakapay/status/835542229670375424
https://twitter.com/artistgas/status/835543465136119808
This is a bloody good game. Tough going as an Irishman but really good to watch. #IREvFRA
— Tierney (@tweetsoftierney) February 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/chrisneilmckay/status/835544560524804096
Totally wasted opportunity. Really hope Ireland don’t regret that later. #IREvFRA
— David O'Keeffe (@djokeeffe) February 25, 2017
Irish sacrificing easy penalties in a tight game, idiotic #IREvFRA
— Ian B (@ijbrads66) February 25, 2017
