The French women’s XV logically beat Ireland with a score of 38-17 on Saturday afternoon at Le Mans during their first match of the 2024 Six Nations Rugby Tournament. In front of 15,559 spectators, the French scored five tries and therefore scored an offensive bonus point.
The French did not miss their entry into the Six Nations Rugby Tournament by beating the Irish, considered one of the weakest teams in the competition, 38-17 on Saturday at Le Mans. The Blues, who took second place in the Tournament behind England last year, sometimes stammered in their rugby and showed some approximations. They nevertheless won easily with the bonus point, in the wake of an impressive Fall-Feleu 2nd line and a Pauline Bourdon still very active in the scrum.
A good entry into the competition
In a well-stocked Marie-Marvingt stadium (named after an aviator and great French sportswoman) and in chilly weather, the French made a successful start with a try in the 3rd minute by Bourdon after a fine maul from the forward pack . But the French lacked precision, particularly in touch, and Ireland was able to stay in contact (7-3, 14th). The French missed several opportunities to increase the advantage but it was ultimately winger Ménager, after a beautiful 40-meter run following a cross pass at the edge of a ruck, who scored a try. good workmanship (33rd, 14-3). A penalty from Lina Queyroi worsened the score and the Irish, who had not had the slightest opportunity to try, returned to the locker room with a deficit of 14 points (17-3).
At the start of the second period, the French, thanks to a solid conquest, once again camped in the Irish camp. After a good effort from the front pack, Madoussou Fall was able to score strongly (24-3, 48th). It was not until the 63rd minute that Les Bleues secured the offensive bonus point after a penalty kick and a try from hooker Sochat. The Irish saved their honor in force (31-10, 73rd). Elisa Riffonneau completed the tricolor success with a new try on penaltouche (38-10). After a French mess, Dalton scored a second anecdotal Irish try. Les Bleues will play in Scotland on March 30, then host Italy in Paris (Jean-Bouin) on April 14. They will go to Wales on April 21 before a possible final against the English favorites on April 27 in Bordeaux.