Overview

• Second‑half tries from Charlotte Escudero and Joanna Grisez, plus Morgane Bourgeois’ conversion and two penalties, overturned Ireland’s lead at rainy Sandy Park.
• Ireland built a 13‑0 half‑time advantage through tries by Linda Djougang and Stacey Flood and a Dannah O’Brien penalty, helped by dominant set‑piece and the wind.
• A prolonged defensive stand on France’s goal line before the interval proved pivotal, preserving a manageable deficit despite France being down a player.
• Multiple yellow cards influenced momentum, with sanctions to France’s Rose Bernadou and captain Manaé Feleu and Ireland’s Grace Moore as the contest tightened.
• Tournament officials are expected to review social‑media footage that appears to show France’s Axelle Berthoumieu biting Aoife Wafer in the final moments.