In that opening quarter Ireland's only venture into French territory was courtesy of two Ronan O'Gara touch finds and both of those throws were comfortably taken by the French.

But as they'd done against the Aussie last week, Ireland clung on grimly until the French broke clear when under pressure and Christophe Dominici raced clear for the try. Michalak added the points and the French were 17 points clear. Two minutes later they went further ahead when Imanol Harinordoquy scored a third try, Michalak knocked over the conversion from out wide and then added a 37th minute penalty.