Johnny Sexton’s monster drop-goal stole Ireland a last-gasp 15-13 NatWest 6 Nations victory over France in Paris.
The Ireland fly-half landed a long-range drop-goal in the third minute of added time, to pinch Joe Schmidt’s side a victory that had appeared already lost.
Teddy Thomas’ mazy solo try looked to have floored Ireland, as France conjured a 13-12 lead from nowhere in Jacques Brunel’s first game as Les Bleus boss.
But just when Ireland appeared beaten, Sexton unleashed a stunning drop-goal to wrestle victory – and keep hopes alive of a Grand Slam decider with England at Twickenham on March 17.
Wow!
Full time score from Stade de France – France 13-15 Ireland #ShoulderToShoulder #TeamOfUs #FRAvIRE pic.twitter.com/8uvGY0dJ1n
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 3, 2018
Tweet of the match
Former England centre Will Greenwood was lost for words after the dramatic end.
First time swear on @Twitter in my head anyway!!!! Yeeeeeesssssssssss @IrishRugby unchuffingbelievable!!! I love you @JohnnySexton Sensational to watch
— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) February 3, 2018
Player of the match – Johnny Sexton
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
Sexton was solid in defence but it was his kicking that won the game for Ireland as he routinely punished France for every indiscretion although he will want to forget about the penalty he dragged wide just before France went over for the game’s only try. But it was his drop-goal to snatch victory that will be remembered for a long time as after 40 phases of play had set him up, he landed a monster drop-goal to win it.
Moment of the match -Teddy Thomas try
MAGNIFIQUE !!! ?@TeddyThoms fait un festival pour inscrire le premier essai du match ! #FRAIRL #PretsAuCombat pic.twitter.com/3XhX2vP5p2
— FF Rugby (@FFRugby) February 3, 2018
In a game of few moments of genuine quality, Thomas’ try stood out. The France winger picked the ball up on the right 60 metres out from the Ireland line and stepped inside and cut through the visitors’ backline to slide in under the posts and leave a simple kick for Anthony Belleau to put France ahead.
France indiscipline
Ireland mistakes
Who’s up next?
Ireland v Italy (Six Nations, Saturday, 10th February)
Scotland v France (Six Nations, Sunday 11th February)
