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Rugby Union

Ireland undone by late try

11/02/2007

A last-gasp try gave France a dramatic 20-17 win over Ireland in the first rugby union match at Croke Park.

Eddie O'Sullivan's side failed to collect the kick-off with Vincent Clerc weaving his way through to cross the line to snatch victory in the 80th minute.

Ireland looked on course for victory after leading 17-13 after Ronan O'Gara's penalty in the 78th minute.

The result sees the French go top of the Six Nations table on four points along with England.

France dominated the first half and led 13-11 at the break after a try from Raphael Ibanez.

The hooker touched down in the 14th minute after overpowering Marcus Horan and John Hayes on the line.

Fly-half David Skrela kicked two penalties and a conversion to punish some sloppy Ireland defending.

O'Gara reduced the hosts' deficit eight minutes before the break after scoring a try in the corner to cap off a sweeping move.

Ireland took the lead on 56 minutes through O'Gara's penalty in front of the posts after Imanol Harinordoquy was adjudged by referee Steve Walsh to have joined a ruck from the side.

Lionel Beauxis came agonisingly close to regaining the lead for the visitors when his long-range drop goal rattled the post.

But Ireland's four-point lead was wiped out by Clerc's late try which was converted by Beauxis to dent Ireland's championship hopes.

O'Sullivan's side will look to bounce back against England in a fortnight while France clash with Wales at home.

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