Ireland's fighting qualities were to the fore at the Mardyke last night as they battled back with a superb second-half performance to force a draw.

At one stage, Ireland had been facing a 10-point deficit, thanks to French tries from Daniel Skrela, Philippe Vermis and Maurice Bourthe. Ireland rallied superbly, however, and with their pack beginning to gain the upper-hand, Ireland eventually levelled with a Mark McHugh penalty two minutes into injury time.

SCORERS: Ireland - D O'Sullivan try; M McHugh 4 pens, con, S Moore drop goal. France - M Bourthe 2 tries; P Vermis try; Skrela try, con.