But two first-half Tommy Bowe tries gave France everything to do as they went into the interval 17-6 behind, with just two Morgan Parra penalties to show for their efforts.

Saint-Andre sent his side out early for the second-half and it obviously worked wonders, Parra’s boot and a Wesley Fofana try getting them back to draw 17-17.

However, with the Grand Slam gone for the French Saint-Andre admits his side need to learn from their early-game mistakes for the rest of the competition.

"There was a feeling of defeat, not that of a draw in the dressing room," Saint-Andre said.

"When you give away ten points, it's really hard to win the match against Ireland, who defended very well and bothered us with their umbrella defence.

"At 17-6 I asked the players to be more direct because it had started to rain and it was a bit like Irish weather out there.

"We had ambitions, a desire to go forward, but at the highest level, you have to be much more precise."