Ireland hold on for nervy win against France in Six Nations

Defending champions Ireland kept up their winning start to the Six Nations with a narrow 18-11 victory over France in Dublin.

Jonathan Sexton kicked over four penalties for the hosts in a cagey first half, while Camille Lopez scored six points for France as Ireland went in 12-6 ahead at the break.

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Penalties from Ian Madigan and Sexton gave the home side some breathing space at the start of the second period, but a try from Romain Taofifenua with nine minutes left set up a nervy finish.

However, France's task was made more difficult when Lopez missed the resulting conversion.

Les Bleus fought doggedly during the final stages in an attempt to take something from the game, only for a disciplined Ireland to hold on for the vital win.