Andy Farrell rues Ireland's first half display against France

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell expressed frustration after his side were beaten 36–14 by France in the opening round of the Six Nations in Paris, pointing to a poor first-half display as the decisive factor.

Andy Farrell Reaction to France vs Ireland

Farrell said Ireland showed a lack of intent during the opening period, conceding 22 unanswered points before halftime. He highlighted missed tackles, aerial contests and breakdown battles as key areas where his team fell short in the early stages of the match.

“Obviously very disappointed,” Farrell told ITV.

“Something that I never thought we’d be saying about this Irish team, we had a bit of a lack of intent in that first-half - missed tackles, winning the scraps on the floor or the fight in the air, it’s just intent.

"And if that’s lacking you’re not going to win any international game, never mind one in Paris.”

First Half Performance Decides Six Nations Opener

France dominated territory and collisions in the first half, forcing Ireland onto the back foot. Farrell explained that winning loose ball contests, defending accurately and controlling high balls are fundamental at Test level, and Ireland were second best in those areas before the break.

“I think you make your own luck in things like the high balls, winning the scraps on the floor, running through tackles and ourselves missing tackles, etc ... that’s the main part of the game, isn’t it? And we certainly came off second best in that regard in the first half".

Ireland will now have a home game against Italy in the second round of the tournament at Aviva Stadium on 14th February.