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Jonathan Sexton spoiled Jacques Brunel’s first game in charge of France with a last-gasp drop-goal as Ireland started their Six Nations campaign with a dramatic 15-13 victory in Paris.
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A magnificent solo try from Teddy Thomas nine minutes from time looked to have given new head coach Brunel a winning start to his tenure as the rain fell at the Stade de France.
There was a distinct lack of French flair until wing Thomas produced a moment of sheer brilliance to score the only try of an attritional contest, Anthony Belleau converting to put Les Bleus in charge for the first time.
Four penalties out of five from Sexton had seen Joe Schmidt’s men lead for much of the match and the fly-half held his nerve to nail a magnificent drop-goal under pressure with the last kick of the game to break France hearts.
WHAT A KICK! A last-gasp Drop Goal for Ireland scored by @JohnnySexton! France 13-15 IRELAND #ShoulderToShoulder #TeamOfUs #FRAvIRE pic.twitter.com/uHCTknNU8F
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 3, 2018
