Ireland’s first game of their Women’s Six Nations campaign under coach Scott Bemand has ended in defeat, but there were plenty of positives for the visitors.

Ireland have been now been beaten by Les Bleus seven times in succession, but will be happy to have significantly reduced the losing deficit from last year’s encounter which ended 53-3 to the French.

Ireland will now turn their attention to next week’s game against Italy in Dublin in the second round of the Women's Six Nations.

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Jade Konkel
Scotland & Harlequins forward

I think Ireland are going to go in tonight, reflect and actually be really proud of that performance. They put on a great show in both attack and defence.

The step up and improvement we have seen from the whole squad has been outstanding.

The clock is in the red and knock-ons from both sides in the increasingly wet conditions signals the end of the game.

A dramatic last twenty minutes with some back-and-forth action, but a deserved win for France in the end.

Image source, Inpho

Jade Konkel
Scotland & Harlequins forward

Outstanding read there from Aoife Dalton. The pressure she put on there, it was just brilliant. She can see the ball is getting greasy, France are looking for those offloads and she's capitalising on any mistake.

Absolutely brilliant and a well-deserved try for Ireland.

Jade Konkel
Scotland & Harlequins forward

It was a beautiful carry height from Aoife Wafer. The impact she has had in this second half has been outstanding. She has had to tidy up quite a lot against a dominant French pack and she has done that really well.

She's made some big hits and big carries sand rounded it off well with a try. Only 20-years-old and I imagine we will see a lot more from her in a green jersey.

Image source, Inpho

Ireland have a penalty on the five-metre line and opt for the tap and go.

A strong carry but has the ball been grounded?

Image source, Inpho

Ireland now using a lineout maul to put some pressure on France close to their line.

Brittany Hogan drives towards the line and the referee indicates Ireland have the penalty advantage...

Katie Corrigan comes off on her first cap with Meabh Deely introduced.

Jade Konkel
Scotland & Harlequins forward

That was beautifully set up at the back of the maul. Beautiful control and composure.

We're starting to see France playing a little bit more like we're used to seeing them. They're offloading that little bit more, they are looking for the opportunities, trying to find those gaps.

Back and forth action now, with both sides swapping possession in the battle for territory.

Ireland infringe at the breakdown and France kick to the corner.

Image source, Inpho

Jade Konkel
Scotland & Harlequins forward

You can see the hands actually moving forwards on the offload from a slight overrun there.

Good vision, but slightly off accuracy.

France really putting pressure on Ireland in the scrum.

The visitors keep it tight on the second attempt and will now look to ask some questions of the French defence.

A probing kick from Aoife Dalton pins France back in their 22.

A forward pass in the build-up means that France's bonus-point try is ruled out.

Ireland have the scrum.

Image source, Inpho

France go through a number of phases before coughing the ball up with a knock-on as they approach the Irish 22.

Ireland have the scrum and will look to get out of the danger zone.

Jade Konkel
Scotland & Harlequins forward

Rugby is a game of inches. France were working inch on inch to get the ball over the line. Really good patience there from France. It was really difficult for Ireland to defend so close to the line.