But the visitors looked set to rip up the script with Bowe crossing twice in the first half to give Ireland a thoroughly deserved 17-6 half-time advantage.

But France hit back in an enthralling second half scoring 11 unanswered points, including a try from Wesley Fofana, to set up a grandstand finish that almost led to a French win but for some resilient Irish defence.

However, while a draw in Paris is far from a disgrace, Bowe admitted the team were frustrated to let the win slip away.

"We put them under pressure in the first half but failed to score in the second half which was disappointing,” said the winger, who has scored five tries in this season’s RBS 6 Nations.

"To score two tries in Paris is a great achievement but nobody enjoys coming away with a draw. We showed good composure to in the last ten minutes.

"Our first half display was outstanding but we were under a lot of pressure at the end and did well to avoid giving away a penalty, which was crucial.”