France vs. Ireland: Score and Reaction from 2016 Six Nations Round 2

France moved to the top of the 2016 RBS Six Nations standings on Saturday after defeating Ireland 10-9 in Paris, where Maxime Medard scored the only try in a tense and tight affair between two of Europe's powerhouses.

Wet conditions made for a stop-start affair in the French capital, and although it was far from a classic, Les Bleus were happy to take revenge against a side who beat them at last year's Rugby World Cup.

Joe Schmidt's side returned to the Stade de France, the scene of their 2014 Six Nations triumph, having overcome a slew of injuries to draw 16-16 against Wales last Sunday, while France defeated Italy 23-21 in their opener.

Andy McGeady of the Irish Times put into words the frustration felt by Irish fans after what was a dull clash between the pair:

Ireland's injury woes resumed in France, too, as Leinster trio Sean O'Brien, Dave Kearney and Mike McCarthy all had to be taken off in the first 35 minutes, although the latter was only replaced as a blood substitute.

The defending champions battled to the last minute in Paris, but France's defence ultimately held on to clinch a one-point win, but neither side truly dazzled.

Michel Euler/Associated Press

The blustery weather in Paris made sure both teams struggled to hold onto possession early on, with both Ireland and France committing handling errors as the game gravitated around halfway.

That being said, it was the visitors asking the greater share of the questions in attack, and Johnny Sexton fired Schmidt's men ahead on the 14-minute mark after being hit late by France lock Yoann Maestri. 

Maestri was fortunate to remain on the pitch for his charge on the fly-half, and Ireland's woes worsened after an apparent knee strain forced O'Brien off before 20 minutes were on the clock.

However, Ireland's pressing continued, and Sexton increased their lead to 6-0 after French captain Guilhem Guirado thumped Kearney, who was forced off because of that hit. Today FM presenter Matt Cooper argued Guirado's offence should have been a "yellow at least":

France No. 10 Jules Plisson finally got the hosts on the board after half-an-hour, but Sexton responded by restoring his team's six-point cushion just before referee Jaco Peyper blew up for half-time.

The official British and Irish Lions Twitter account detailed full-backs Rob Kearney and Medard as the most heavily involved first-half carriers, a sign of the kicking game both teams looked to implement:

If the first period was a close affair, the second half proved even more so, and any probing France attempted was met by a wall of green defenders, and the same could be said vice versa.

In fact, it wasn't until the 62nd minute that France even took their first steps into the Ireland 22, according to Rugby World writer Gavin Mortimer:

"

A glum Fabien Galthie tells France TV that French attack, in the 62nd min, was the first time they've set foot in the Ireland 22,

— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) February 13, 2016"

Guy Noves' men made their best attempts to get the likes of Virimi Vakatawa—who was so effective against Italy last Saturday—into the match, but to little avail as the winger was largely muted by Ireland's crowded defence.

And it ended up being the forwards who eventually laid the foundation for France's breakthrough, patiently grinding the Irish pack down with a series of scrums before slipping Medard in for the game's first try.

OptaJonny detailed just how timely a score it was for Medard, who had endured his longest barren spell for the national team prior to Saturday's Test:

Noves' men took their lead for the first time in the match and weren't inclined to let it slip from their grasp, keeping the ball tight and playing out the remaining minutes largely in Ireland's half.

France's winning start to this year's Six Nations lives on, and Noves is yet to lose a game in charge of the national team, but Ireland will undoubtedly be kicking themselves following an agonisingly close defeat.