France v Ireland (quarter-final)
From another match with an agonising finish I select a stat which occurred much earlier. I believe it determined the final score.
On 39 minutes Manae Feleu was shown yellow for pulling a maul down. The Irish built that astonishing attack, but it came to nothing in the end.
Back to the start. It was a foul Devon day of wind and rain. The Irish had the advantage.
Sam Monaghan thought she had scored her first international try, but the first of many TMO interventions across the day denied her; another line-out obstruction, the fourth officials’ new favourite toy.
Linda Djougang did score moments later, but much further out. (0-5)
Ireland were doing more than holding their own against the fancied French, but scoring was difficult. On 18 minutes Rose Bernadou was shown yellow for a high tackle. It wasn’t upgraded.
On the half-hour a fine kick by Dannah O’Brien (one of many) was followed by a drive by Aoife Wafer (one of many). The ball spread to Stacey Flood who crossed. (0-10)
There was drama all the way; one of the nastiest came when Wafer lay on the ground clutching that suspect knee. Was she in agony? No, she stood up and played on.
Between now and the break Ireland could add only an O’Brien penalty. (0-13).
Then came that astonishing multi-phase attack, but not the extra score the Irish and their supporters knew they needed.
Half-time: France 0 Ireland 13
Both sides were desperate for a win. The French had bitter memories of failing to reach finals; the Irish knew they had the beating of Les Bleues this time.
The second half gave the French the benefit of the conditions they had battled so hard for.
The moment they were awarded a penalty, Morgane Bourgeois was summoned to go for the posts. The ball sailed over from way out. (3-13)
Not till the 49th minute did the French manage two consecutive off-loads, their trademark. The weather relented, though the ball remained slippery.
Penalties were building up against the French, but two expert kicks by Pauline Bourdon-Sansus brought them close to their target. The Irish had to drop-out from their line.
No sooner had Grace Moore come on than she suffered a yellow card for a high tackle. It remained yellow.
Could Ireland hold out?
They worked their way into the French 22 when – BINGO! – Manon Bigot won a turnover, Charlotte Escudero spread the ball right. The moment it reached Joanna Grisez’s hands we realised the 29 other players were moving at half pace. She sprinted 80 metres to score a wonder try. (10-13)
Madoussou Fall Raclot made one of her charging breaks through Irish ranks, and Escudero was on hand to add the final touch. (18-13)
The closing moments were agony for the Irish and their fans. Just one score needed.
They worked their way back into France’s red zone, built phase after phase. One more line-out; 84 minutes on the clock. Everything had to be perfect; the throw, the catch, the follow-up – but then a knock-on, and the cup was dashed from their lips.
It was a desperate disappointment for them, relief and delight for the French.
Result: France 18 Ireland 13
Player of the Match: Charlotte Escudero
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU)
So France meet England next weekend.
