Fahan’s Nora Stapleton led the way for the Ireland women as they lowered the colours of reigning Women’s Six Nations champions France.
At the RDS, Ireland overcame Les Bleus 13-10 to make it three wins from three for the Irish.
Stapleton scored a conversion and two penalties on a day when Cappry’s Larissa Muldoon made her return, coming on as a 51st minute replacement.
Stapleton’s 12th-minute penalty put the hosts in front but they had captain Paula Fitzpatrick yellow carded as the interval approached and with defending champions France pressing for a try.
French centre Caroline Ladagnous was freed up on the right wing to touch down. Jessy Tremouliere topped it off with an excellent conversion.
However, Ireland hit back within seven minutes, profiting from Marjorie Mayans’ sin-binning to drive influential 22-year-old prop Leah Lyons over for her second try in as many games.
Stapleton converted with the wind dying down and also swapped penalties with Tremouliere, the girls in green showing impressive composure as they pinned France back in their own half.
Unrelenting pressure from Ireland left les Bleues error-strewn and with lock Lenaig Corson also yellow carded, there was no way back for the visitors.
This was a hugely significant result for the Ireland Women against one of their 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup pool opponents and the world’s fourth-ranked team. The sides will renew rivalries down the road at UCD in August.
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