By BEN JAYCOCK

France ..............42pts
Tries: Labarthe 16, Gailleton 18, Depoortere 47, Montgaillard 70, 78
Conversions: Auriac 18, 18, 46, 48
Penalties: Auriac 9, 42, 56

Ireland ..............21pts
Tries: King 32, Penalty 64, Gibbons 72
Conversions: Butler 33, Pendergast 73
THE Grand Slam champions began the Summer Series with defeat to a dazzling France side. Richie Murphy’s side struggled to assert themselves and trailed 17-7 at the interval, leaving themselves too much to do despite an improved showing after the break.
France started brightest and full-back Max Auriac kicke...