Half time at Lansdowne Road

With the first half played, Ireland lead France by 12-3.

Geordan Murphy opened the scoring just outside the first minute with a drop goal giving Ireland an early lead of 3-0. Some excellent kicking by Brian O Driscoll and Denis Hickie saw Ireland clear their lines under severe French pressure.

Ten minutes later, Humphries stroked over a penalty bringing Ireland’s lead to 6 points. France answered four minutes later with a penalty goal by Gelez making it 6-3 after twenty minutes of the first half.

After a period of strong Irish play, Gary Longwell had to retire with an injury. Leo Cullen came in to take his place. In the 38th minute, France were awarded a penalty which Gelez missed. Two minutes later, Humphries did not make the same mistake and stroked a penalty goal over from six inches inside the centre line. This gave Ireland a lead of 12-3 going in at half time.