Ireland A 19 France A 29
Ireland's shadow Six Nations side suffered their first defeat tonight in Belfast after a scrappy encounter against the now grand slam-chasing French.
The Irish defence leaked two soft tries and despite a gutsy second-half performance could not find enough in reserve to deny the visitors their deserved win.
Ireland led 9-3 after 22 minutes, outside-half Paul Burke kicking three penalties in reply to his opposite number Frederic Michalak's sixth-minute opener.
The French pinned Ireland down, and after Michalak had landed another penalty slack defending allowed Julien Frier in for a try converted by the fly-half.
The French number 10 landed another penalty, with Burke finding the target twice to leave the game poised 16-12 at the interval.
Ulster hooker Paul Shields gave the Irish hope at the start of the second half with a try, converted by Burke to put them 19-16 ahead.
But the French swung the lead back with a try from replacement prop Guillaume Bousses.
Mechalak converted an added penalty with winger Pepito Elhorga dropping a goal to keep their Grand Slam on target.