France and Ireland play out 17-all draw

Mon, Mar 5, 2012, 1:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

France has shrugged off a poor first-half performance to draw 17-17 at home to Ireland in Six Nations rugby.

But the result has ended French hopes of a Grand Slam and left Wales alone at the top of the standings.

The Irish have won only twice in France in the past 40 years, and not at Stade de France since 2000, but a victory on Sunday looked for the taking after winger Tommy Bowe's two tries put the visitors 17-6 up at halftime.

France failed to show much attacking creativity and profited from an Ireland lapse in midfield to get back into the game when centre Wesley Fofana scored his third try in consecutive games early in the second half.

France needed the steady kicking of scrumhalf Morgan Parra, who landed all four of his penalties.

"We're very disappointed with the result, although we came back into it well," France captain Thierry Dusautoir said.

Wales can clinch the Grand Slam by beating Italy and then France at home.

France won their opening two matches, at home to Italy and away to Scotland, and play England at Stade de France next Sunday.

Share
Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson is looking to change the close losses into victories. Photo: Getty Images
'That's not good enough': Wallabies make desires clear
The Super Rugby W semi-final between the Western Force and the NSW Waratahs has been moved to HBF Park. Photo: Getty Images
Super Rugby Women's Semi-Final becomes double-header with Wallabies
The Wallabies turn their attention to France in Brisbane. Photo: Getty Images
Wallabies v France: How to watch Test in Australia, teams, fixtures and more
Harry Wilson is confident the new look flyhalves can deal with the Test pressure. Photo: Getty Images
Wallabies skipper Wilson backing debutant, make shift flyhalf to rise to France Test