In the most important match of Group D, Ireland faced off against France in Cardiff. for the 4th time in World Cup history, with France having won the previous 3 meetings. Both teams have been relatively unchallenged in the group entering the match undefeated.
With the loser coming up against New Zealand next week nothing less than fire works was expected from this match.
First Half
The match started at an electric tempo from both sides, France dominated possession in the first 10 minutes but where unable to capitalise on two kick able penalties. Ireland opened the scoring in the 12th minute after France was penalised for playing the man on a short creative chip kick into space by Sexton. France levelled the score in the 15th minute with a long range penalty from Spedding.
In the 18th Minute Sexton put Ireland back in front after Ben Arous was penalised for not rolling away, France was rewarded a penalty for a high tackle by Peter O’Mahony and Spedding levelled the scores with his monster boot from inside his own half.
Sexton left the field in the 25th minute after being smashed by France for the second time in a short period. Madigan showed no sign of nerves when he slotted his first penalty in the 28th minute. in the 30th minute Tommy Bowe made the first big break of the game from a nice set piece move and than put Earls through the gap but uncharacteristically Earls could not control the ball and the try went begging.
Right on half time Paul O’Connell went down injured after being twisted awkwardly by the French at a ruck clear out. Ireland dominated possession in the first half and used their kicking game quite well playing for territory when needed and keeping the ball in hand when in the French half.
Second Half
The Second half continued on the same way the first half finished, with a face tempo high pressured attack from the Irish, Rob Kearney finally crossed the line for their first try in the 51st Minute after an extended period of pressure from Ireland. All started with Henshaw making a great break in the mid field. With Ireland turning the screw and the 16th man getting into full voice the French captain made a uncharacteristic mistake giving Ireland a scrum on the French 22m line, France were really starting to show signs of struggle under the pressure.
In the 55th minute Ireland was struck by another injury when Peter O’Mahony was injured in a tackle and need to be stretchered off the field. It took France 18 minutes to get the ball into an attacking situation to only have Sean O’Brien still the ball at the breakdown. It the 63rd minute France finally got a chance to put some points on the board in the second half, Perra took the penalty and put France back within 5 points. In the 67th minute while France were in the best attacking position for the half Perra knocked the ball on when O’Brien got away with knocking the ball out of his hand.
In the 71st Minute Murray put the result beyond doubt when he touched the ball down against the post for Ireland’s second try after great pressure from the Irish forwards to get Ireland into scoring position.
Ireland added more points in the 75th minute when Madiagan slotted another penalty to extend Ireland’s lead to 15 points. At this stage Ireland was really dominating in all aspect of the game including winning multi-able scrums.
With the match over I highly recommend watching a replay of this one, their will be two very sore sides having to prepare for their respective quarter final clashes. Ireland will be sweating on what looks like the lose of 3 key players. France made a staggering 181 tackles at about 90% completion so I am sure they are ready to defend against the All Blacks next week.
Hoping that Paul O’Connell’s injury is not to serious, as the big man does not deserve to end his international career being carried off on a stretcher.
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The Game Changer
Half Time, what did Ireland have in their water, they came out very clinical in the first 20 minutes of the second half and really applied the pressure on the French.
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The G&GR MOTM
I’m going to agree with the Twitter MOTM with Sean O’Brien, he was immense in both attack and defence. With 12 carries over the gain line Argentina will be have to keep a close watch on O’Brien if available next weekend.
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QF watch
Henderson has been one of the emerging stars to come out of this World Cup, came on as the replacement for O’Connell and really showed just how powerful he is destroying the French on a few occasions. Drove a French drive back 5 meters on his own straight through the middle.
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The Details
Crowd: No idea but it was Loud, sounded amazing.
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Ireland: 24 (9)
Tries: R Kearney, Murray
Conversions: 1/2 Madigan
Penalties:Sexton 2/2 Madigan 2/2[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]France: 9 (6)
Tries:
Conversions:
Penalties: Michalak 0/1, Spedding 2/3, Parra 1/1 [/one_half]
Cards & citings
Expect Sean O’Brian to be cited for a punch off the play, was only to the stomach.
