France kept their Grand Slam hopes alive with a hard-fought 26-7 win over Ireland in the Women's Six Nations, despite a ferocious first-half challenge from the visitors. The match in Clermont saw Ireland dominate early, with Cliodhna Maloney-MacDonald scoring the opening try after two earlier scores were disallowed by the TMO. However, France rallied through tries from Ambre Mwayembe, Carla Arbez, Anais Grando, and Lea Champon to extend their winning streak over Ireland to nine matches.
Ireland, seeking revenge for their World Cup quarter-final loss to France last October, started with intensity. Aoife Wafer laid down a marker with a powerful carry from the kick-off, and the visitors quickly pinned France back. Pauline Barrat was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, and Ireland looked poised to capitalize. Maloney-MacDonald thought she had crossed twice, only to be denied by the TMO for a held-up ball and a double movement. She finally got on the scoresheet when she finished off a rolling maul, and Dannah O'Brien converted to give Ireland a 7-0 lead.
France responded just before half-time, with Mwayembe barging over for her first international try. While Ireland's Wafer claimed she had held the ball up, the try stood, and Arbez's conversion leveled the score at 7-7. The hosts then survived a scare when Fiona Tuite charged towards the line, only for a last-ditch tackle from Arbez and Grando to prevent a near-certain score.
After the break, France took control. Arbez crossed for a try she also converted, putting France ahead for the first time. Further scores from Grando and Champon sealed the win, despite Ireland's relentless efforts. The result leaves France on a collision course with England for the title, while Ireland will look to regroup against Wales after a rest week.
"We knew Ireland would come out firing, but we showed character to stay in the game and pull away in the second half," said France captain Manae Feleu. "Our discipline let us down at times, but we're building momentum."