North Country Irish

Ireland defeat France in Six Nations opener

(CNN) -- Ireland beat France 30-21 in an enthralling Six Nations rugby opener at Croke Park, Dublin, to underline their status as genuine title contenders.

Jamie Heaslip, Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy ran in brilliant tries as the Irish registered their first triumph against Les Bleus since March 2003, a sequence spanning seven Tests.
O'Driscoll's try was particularly pleasing with the Ireland captain showing the acceleration and finishing ability that seemed to be on the wane in recent seasons.
Ronan O'Gara chipped in with 15 points as the Irish landed a crucial early blow in the Six Nations title race.
Number eight Imanol Harinordoquy and winger Maxime Medard crossed the line for the visitors, the former rounding off a brilliant passage of play, while the boot of Lionel Beauxis did the rest for Les Bleus.
France went ahead with a magnificent try in the 13th minute. Harinordoquy steamrollered over O'Gara, a clever kick from Julien Malzieu continued the move which openside Thierry Dusautoir was on hand to rescue by gathering the ball and feeding Yannick Jauzion.
Possession was recycled to Chabal out wide on the left and the lock combined with winger Maxime Medard to send Harinordoquy over.

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