Rugby union · International
O’Gara’s 17 points help Ireland withstand France’s late response
Ireland defeated France 22–15 at Lansdowne Road on 17 February 2001, earning its first home victory in the fixture since 1983.
2001-02-17 · Lansdowne Road, Dublin, Ireland
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Confirmed development
Ireland defeated France 22–15 at Lansdowne Road in Dublin on 17 February to record a second consecutive victory in the 2001 Six Nations. Ronan O’Gara contributed 17 points through five penalties and a conversion, while Brian O’Driscoll scored the home team’s try. The result followed Ireland’s 41–22 opening victory against Italy in Rome.
Details
Three O’Gara penalties gave Ireland a 9–3 advantage at half-time. The lead grew to 22–3 in the second half before France scored two tries to reduce the margin to seven points. Ireland retained the win despite being outscored by two tries to one, with O’Gara’s kicking providing the difference in the teams’ overall points totals.
Context
The Irish federation records the match as Ireland’s first home victory over France for 18 years and its first back-to-back wins against the French since 1973. The home distinction matters: Ireland had already won the previous championship meeting in Paris in 2000. Australian referee Scott Young officiated the Dublin contest, which left Ireland unbeaten through its two February fixtures.
Period by period
| Points | Ireland | France |
|---|---|---|
| Final | 22 | 15 |
Sources
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