Under-21 World Championship/France 31 Ireland 23: Ireland suffered their second defeat by France this year, when they lost to the Tricolors in the opening round of the IRB Under-21 World Championship in Mendoza, Argentina, and crucially just failed to collect a loser's bonus point.
In perfect conditions, Ireland struggled at times to contain the effervescence of the French back play and but for courageous defence they could well have suffered a more devastating defeat.
Up front, the Ireland forwards competed on near even terms, notably in the backrow where they looked the better unit.
Despite the final outcome Ireland made a dream start to their opening match with a penalty by outhalf Gareth Steenson after only five minutes, the points a reward for the Irish pressure.
The momentum continued with a fine try by Andrew Trimble, the Ballymena centre running a skilful angle to outwit the French defence. Steenson's conversion made the score 10-0 for Ireland.
But France, who had looked dangerous behind the scrum, hit back strongly with a try by number eight Damien Chouly after a clever kick ahead by full back Jean-Baptiste Peyras.
Outhalf Regis Lespinas added the conversion to bring France back into the game.
Then just before half-time France struck again with a slick backline move that ended with Peyras slipping over for his side's second try, converted by Lespinas for a 14-10 interval lead.
France continued to play their natural running game at the beginning of the second half and were rewarded with a try by winger Maxime Meddard from a measured chip ahead and skilful handling.
Steenson brought Ireland back into the game with a penalty but almost immediately, France replied with a blindside try by scrumhalf and captain Fabien Cibray, converted by Lespinas.
Another Steenson penalty raised hopes of a bonus point for Ireland and when replacement hooker Joe Merrigan crashed over from a penalty-created lineout and Steenson converted Ireland were within three points.
But hopes were dashed in the final 10 minutes when France capitalised on intense pressure with a try by powerful replacement centre Thibault Lacroix.
In the day's other matches, the big winners were South Africa who routed Italy 81-3, Argentina, 65-7 winners over Canada, New Zealand who hammered Wales 60-15, and England who put on 52 points against Samoa's 22.
Scotland managed a bonus point in their 22-28 defeat to Australia.
SCORERS: Ireland: Tries - Trimble, Merrigan; Cons - Steenson (2); Pens - Steenson (3). France: Tries - Chouly, Cibray, Medard, Lacroix, Peyras; Cons - Lespinas (3).
IRELAND: R McCarron (UCD); P Hurley (UCC), A Trimble (Ballymena), G Stafford (Lansdowne), P McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins); G Steenson (Dungannon) capt, C Willis (UCD); G Maxwell (Dungannon), S Philpott (Saracens), J Andress (Belfast Harlequins), M Melbourne (Garryowen), R Caldwell (Dungannon), K McLaughlin (UCD), C Henry (Malone), S Ferris (Dungannon). Replacements used: J Merrigan (Corinthians), R Loughney (Galwegians), R Noonan (UCC), T Richardson (Buccaneers), G Hurley (Garryowen), D Riordan (Corinthians).
FRANCE: J-B Peyras; F Denos, V Roux, S Mirande, M Medard; R Lespinas, F Cibray; P-P Lafond, I Montagnat, Y Montes, L Jacquet, D Fevre, F Alexandre, M Baget, D Chouly.
Referee: M Jonker (South Africa).
Northampton yesterday made their second signing of the week with number eight Daniel Browne arriving from French club Grenoble.
Browne, who is eligible for Ireland, joins New Zealand flanker Sam Harding at Franklin's Gardens after the backrow joined from Canterbury Crusaders.
Browne (25) is an imposing physical presence, at 6ft 5ins and weighing 17 stone. His Irish connections could be of interest to the IRFU who will now be able to see the player at close-hand.
Northampton head coach Budge Pountney said: "Daniel has had fantastic experience playing for Grenoble and will bring that to our squad. He has all the attributes needed for a number eight - he has the ability to offload in the tackle; defensively he is very strong and he is also a good lineout option."
