Ireland were comprehensively defeated by France in a freezing Stade de France losing their year-old unbeaten record in the 6 Nations championship. It was also coach Declan Kidney's first 6 Nations defeat.

The final score of  33-10  did justice to France who were the better side by far throughout, as a mistake-ridden Irish performance brought back memories of the bad old days.

Three key moments all involved Irish mistakes. After a bright Irish start prop Cian Healy was sin-binned after a blatant foul, and France got 10 points in his absence to lead 10-0.

Captain Brian O'Connell  knocked on a kick-off after Ireland had got back into the match from a Ronan O'Gara penalty, and France scored a try from the mistake to lead 17-3 at the half.

Early in the second half, winger Keith Earls knocked on a penalty to himself in front  of his posts and presented France with a gift try from the subsequent scrum. Though  Ireland scored a great try by David Wallace after 64 minutes to briefly lead to hopes of a comeback, France replied with a drop goal and later a penalty, to finish the scoring 33- 10 after 80 minutes.