Ireland make dramatic start to Six Nations

Just to prove how hard it is to get accurate information about women's rugby, I couldn't event get the date right for this one! 

However I woke up this morning and logged on to discover reports on what sounds as if it was as dramatic and exciting a game as was expected when last night Ireland took on France at the rearranged venue of Ashbourne RFC in rural (but less snowbound) Co Meath.

A crowd of only 300 managed to make the game, but they witnessed what sounds a memorable, if low scoring, battle. Ireland dominated play in the first half, but were rewarded with just two penalties, both kickable, and both missed by fly-half Nimah Briggs - so the teams went in at halftime 0-0.

The deadlock was broken 13 minutes into the second half, and most reports agree on two things. First it was against the balance of play, and second it was brilliant. The entire French backline was involved in a move that sent Cathy Langenfeld over in the right corner, but crucially leaving a kick that was too difficult for the French to convert.

The Irish did not give up, but a note of desparation comes across in reports as the clock tricked down. The backs dominated but could not find a way through, so it was left to the forwards to take the ball from a line-out on the French 22 before they ruck and mauled their way, inch by inch, to the line. After what must have been an agony of delay eventually the referee gave a try to Fiona Coughlan - then Briggs kicked the extras.

But the drama was not over yet. In the dying moments of the game France were given a penalty, well out by not impossible, but a kick which Caroline Ladagnous could not make.

So a first ever win for Ireland over France - a dramatic start to the Six Nations - and a confirmation that the traditional also-rans of the tournament have, in only two or three season, become one of the leading teams. The fact that the women's and men's unions also merged two or three years ago is, of course, sheer co-incidence.

• No news on this afternoon's England game. RFU/RFUW website silent since lunchtime yesterday.