Ireland's women's rugby team left Clermont frustrated after a 26-7 defeat to France in the Six Nations, despite a dominant first-half performance. Captain Erin King lamented the "fine margins" that cost her side a historic win on French soil, while head coach Scott Bemand called for sharper execution in key moments.
Ireland started brightly, with Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald crossing the line only to have two tries disallowed. Brittany Hogan and Fiona Tuite were also denied first-half scores as Ireland failed to convert pressure into points. France, clinical after the break, pulled away through tries from Carla Arbez, Anais Grando, and Lea Champon.
"We fired shots and we are so capable. We put pressure on France and we could see it in that first half," King said. "We've showed that we can compete with the top four in the world, so it's about getting it over that line."
Bemand, whose side has climbed to fifth in the world rankings, stressed the need for precision. "In these kinds of Test matches the margins become finer," he said. "Nail your kick to touch and nail your exit—they are the type of things that don't let France in."
Ireland's wait for a first Six Nations win over a top-tier side continues, but Bemand remains confident. "I've got a group who is up for that," he added.