JONNY SEXTON DIVED over for a 21st minute try at Stade de France to reduce the host’s early lead. France led 6-0 in the Six Nations decider in Paris but Sexton finished off an Irish move after a superb Chris Henry flicked pass.
Brian O’Driscoll, playing in his final Ireland match, made a superb break five minutes later. Conor Murray sniped from the ruck and fed Andrew Trimble to put the visitors ahead.
France struck back through Brice Dulin after he pounced on a knock-down from winger Yoann Huget. Ireland trail 13-12 heading into half-time.
Sexton’s place-kicking game may be off-colour but he added his second try of the game. Dimitri Szarzewski scored with 18 minutes to go to make for a tense end but Ireland held on to win 22-20.