Six-Try French Gain Revenge On Ireland Under-19s
The Ireland Under-19s were unable to make it two wins out of two when they met their French counterparts at the French National Rugby Centre at Marcoussis tonight.
Video Highlights courtesy of FFR
Peter Malone's youngsters lost 32-10 in a game in which the fast-staring hosts had built up a 27-3 lead by the break, with prop Quentin Walcker and right winger Robin Aulas running in tries inside the first five minutes.
France scored five tries, one of which was converted by out-half Franck Porteau, as they controlled all aspects of the game during a one-sided first half. Aulas bagged a brace as did fellow winger Martin Laveau.
In response, on a rare incursion into French territory, Ireland put three points on the board through the trusty boot of full-back David O'Mahony.
The Ireland coaching team of Malone, Kieran Campbell and Conor Twomey made a number of changes during the second period. Two yellow cards did not help the Ireland cause but there was an improvement in the visitors' performance.
The pack started to produce some quality possession which enabled the Irish to put some pressure on the French line. They some reward for their endeavours when O'Mahony scorched in for a 50th minute try. The Young Munster clubman, who also scored all of Ireland's points in the midweek win over France, added the extras to reduce the arrears to 27-10.
Despite losing a player to a red card, the French Under-19s notched their sixth and final try through replacement Louis Fajfrowski just minutes from the final whistle, confirming a 22-point winning margin.
While the entire Irish squad was disappointed with the outcome of this second game, they can return home proud of their achievements having won the series opener 13-10 on Wednesday evening. It was one win apiece, just as it was when the nations played each other at Templeville Road twelve months ago.
Referee: Fédérico Meconi (Italy)