SIX NATIONS ROLLS ON.

The postponed match between France and Ireland finally got under way last Sunday. The opening skirmishes had Ireland doing most of the attacking, though to little effect; Jonathan Sexton's missed penalty must have caused a few worries in the Irish camp, but they'd have been quickly forgotten once Tommy Bowe's interception resulted in a try under the posts.

The French seemed rather sleepy and had very little 'zip' as Ireland continued to press them back; the French

crowd showed their disapproval with a mixture of jeers and whistles even after some fine play led to a penalty for the home side that reduced the deficit to 3-7. Sexton soon restored Ireland's advantage, but Yashvilli quickly closed the gap again with a penalty that only just dropped over. Another penalty, for offside, saw Ireland escape both a yellow card and the 3 points, as Yashvilli missed a relatively easy kick. France continued to be a bit scrappy in their play and it was Tommy Bowe who broke away with a great individual effort from half-way to score a second try, converted by Sexton. 17-6 at half-time and Ireland good value for their lead.

The second half started with much French pressure culminating in another penalty for them, put over by Yashvilli. This was quickly followed by a French try after a messy piece of Irish play in mid-field and the home side were right back in contention at 14-17 after Yashvilli missed the conversion by a coat of paint. By now, nearly all of the play and pressure was coming from France and Ireland were on the back foot, and the scores were levelled when Yashvilli kicked another penalty after 58 minutes. The game ebbed and flowed as neither side made any real progress in the other's 22, but Ireland conceded too many unnecessary penalties, allowing the French to maintain pressure. Powerful play from the French forwards was met by equally resolute Irish defence and an Irish penalty with little more than a minute to go saw them clear their lines for the last time. One final thrust from France ended up in touch and a draw was probably the fairest result from a hard game.