Powerful French set tone

Under-21 World Cup/France - 26 Ireland - 8: Ireland's initial foray into the 2006 Under-21 Rugby World Cup ended in frustration in Issoire last night as France justified their billing as match-day favourites at Stade du Mas.

But Ireland's bravc effort, in the second half in particular, is something they will take in to the remaining qualifying games, though defeat in this first of three pool games is likely to prevent passage to the semi-finals.

Despite shipping 14 points in as many first-half minutes, they stuck to their task throughout in front of a crowd of nearly 7,000.

Unfortunately, against a big pack of French forwards they spent much of their time on the back foot. Luckily a handful of dropped passes, a disallowed try for offside and a wayward penalty attempt at goal from outhalf Lionel Beauxis enabled Ireland to hold firm until the 12th minute.

Then a lineout five metres from the Irish line was driven infield, where tighthead prop Yohann Montes picked up and forced his powerful frame over for the Beauxis to convert.

Two minutes later, replacement scrumhalf Sebastien Tillous-Borde brushed off three tackles on the right flank to cross for his side's second try. Beauxis again added the extras for 14-0.

Ireland were not helped by a yellow card to captain Stuart Philpott for obstruction. But Ireland battled on, and in the 20 minutes before half-time enjoyed their best spell yet failed to score.

French lock Loic Jacquet was sinbinned after the break for handling at a ruck, and Ireland took advantage when Philpott was driven over at the posts. Kieran Hallett failed to convert.

Conan Doyle closed the with with a penalty on the hour. But France made doubly sure five minutes from time when Damien Chouly was driven over for Yann Fior to convert and Jacques Boussuge ran from his own line to cross in the corner.

FRANCE: F Denos; J Boussuge, T Lacroix, G Puyo, Y Fior, L Beauxis, F Cibray (capt); L Cabarry, A Heguy, Y Montes; D Drodz, L Jacquet; F Ouedraogo, F Alexandre, D Chouly. Replacements: S Tillous-Borde for Cibray (8 mins), D Weber for Montes (40 mins), M Mermox for Lacroix (53 mins), G Guirado for Heguy (55 mins).

IRELAND: F Carr (Blackrock); P Duncan (Galwegians), T Gleeson (Cork Con), C Doyle (Garryowen), M Williams (Bristol); K Hallett (Bedford Blues), P Marshall (Ballynahinch); D Hurley (UCC), S Philpott (Belfast Harlequins, capt), D Ryan (Highfield); D McGowan (Buccaneers), D Toner (Lansdowne); R Noonan (UCC), D Pollock (Queen's), S O'Brien (UCD). Replacements: D Williams (UCC) for Marshall (52 mins), D Tuohy (Hartpury) for Noonan (55 mins), I Hanly (UL Bohemians) for Duncan and D Cave (Belfast Harlequins) for Hallett (both 60 mins), P Doran Jones (Dublin Univ) for Ryan (62 mins), S Cronin (Shannon) for Philpott (70 mins),

Referee: J Leckie (Australia)