The referee brings the ball back for a penalty after playing advantage.

Dorothy wall was deemed to have illegally collapsed the maul.

France get another lineout and launch at attack.

Can they make it count?

France put the ball through hands and stretch the Irish defence before a grubber kick goes off an Irish player and the hosts now have another attacking chance with the lineout.

Image source, Inpho

Replacement Dannah O'Brien spots a gap in the French back-field but her probing kick goes dead and France have the scrum.

We're back underway for the second half in Le Mans.

France knock the ball on and the referee blows the whistle for half-time.

The hosts have dominated territory and possession in the first half, but Ireland's defence has kept them in the game, successfully repelling wave after wave of French attack.

An Irish try in the second half would put them back within touching distance...

The clock is in the red as we approach half-time.

Can France extend their lead before the break?

France get a penalty and opt for the posts.

Out-half Lina Queyroi maintains her perfect record form the kicking tee to keep the score ticking over for the hosts.

Jade Konkel
Scotland & Harlequins forward

A lovely pass back inside from Pauline Bourdon Sansus. It was a walk-in try for Marine Menager. Beautiful line and beautiful communication between the two of them.

France struggling to capitalise on their territory in the Irish 22.

Ireland escape once again as Annaelle Deshaye knocks on just a metre out.

Ireland have the scrum which creaks under pressure, but they just about get the ball away and can breathe another sigh of relief.

Image source, Inpho

Another French attack nullified by strong Irish defence.

Charlotte Escudero demonstrates her powerful leg drive to get the ball over the line, but she is held up and Ireland have the goal-line drop out.

Jade Konkel
Scotland & Harlequins forward

So far from what we have seen Ireland have been brilliant. Their gainline success is matching France. They are more than capable, they are fighting, they are on par with France at the moment, they just need to maintain it for the full 80.

Ireland have battled their way back into the game and the green wall of defence has limited the French attack.

The visitors get their hands on the ball and Brittany Hogan bursts through a gap and surges up the pitch.

A lineout for Ireland comes to nothing, but they are starting to get a foothold in the game.

Jade Konkel
Scotland & Harlequins forward

Ireland's defence are making a fantastic effort to put in those bone-crunching tackles that we thought we might see.

There's already a massive improvement from last year's campaign.

The hosts are going through the phases with some powerful carries as they work their way towards the Irish line.

The Irish defence stands strong and they force a turnover, earning them a few moments respite from the waves of French attack.