Defending champions France came from behind to secure their spot in the World Rugby Classic final and keep their title defence on track with a hard-fought 36-10 victory over Ireland in the semi-final at North Field, National Sports Centre, last night.

The two-times winners weathered some early pressure from their opponents before ultimately pulling away as their tactical and physical superiority shone through.

Gigi Amoros and Jeremy Chaput, winger Alex Palisson and lock Damien Costanzo all ran in tries while the French were also awarded a penalty try.

The versatile Amoros also successfully executed four conversion and a penalty kick to put the game farther beyond Ireland’s reach. Fly half Barry Lynn and lock Michael McCarthy each scored tries for Ireland who went scoreless in the second half of this highly physical contest which took its toll on both teams.

Tempers flared late in the game with both teams having to be separated in the middle of the park. When the dust had settled, a member of Ireland’s coaching staff received a red card for running onto the pitch to join in the mêlée.

France flanker Florent Legrenzi also landed himself in hot water with the referee and was sent to the sin bin.

After all was said and done, France coach Philippe Leveau was delighted to come away with the desired outcome and see his team through to the final.

“I am very, very happy for the boys because we had a very good game against Ireland,” he told The Royal Gazette. “The first ten minutes Ireland was really pushing to lead the score, but then we changed everything around with our brand of play and 36-10 is a big score for this level of game and tournament.

“I am very proud of the team and very proud of what we have done so far and now we will see what happens in the final.”

France will meet the winner of the remaining semi-final between England’s Lions Legends and Argentina’s Classic Pumas in the final.

“We have one more game to go and whoever the opposition we will be there and we will be ready,” Leveau added.

Ireland took the match to their opponents from the opening kick off and capitalised on their early momentum when Lynn crossed over for a try and then missed the conversion kick to put them in front.

France came storming back and surged ahead after Amoros scored a try and kicked the extra points.

Ireland regained the lead after McCarthy crossed over the line for a try while Lynn squandered his second conversion kick of the game.

Palisson put France back in front for good after crossing over for a try under the post while Amoros converted the conversion kick.

Amoros also converted a penalty kick right on the stroke of half-time to send the French into the break with a 17-10 advantage.

The champions picked up where they left off in the second half and pulled farther away when they were awarded a penalty try which all but ended the match as a contest.

Chaput made it 29-10 after scoring a try with Amoros’s attempted conversion kick striking the post this time around.

Costanzo then rounded off the scoring when he crossed for a try and Amoros nailed the conversion kick right on the final whistle.

“France played really well. They were very well organised, spotted some weaknesses in defence, went in behind and scored a couple of good tries off kicks,” Ireland captain Mike Ross
said.

“We fought to the end but they are just a quality side at the end of it.

“We are pretty disappointed ourselves but it’s the first time for our team over here and we will regroup surely for next year.”

In the first match of the evening, Canada thrashed the United States 49-3 in the Plate semi-final.