But the pendulum swung back after half-time at the Stade du Hameau and Ireland piled on the pressure, but Claire Molloy's last-gasp converted try was no more than a consolation.

The match in Pau was brought forward to an afternoon kick-off in order to avoid freezing temperatures, and the physical nature of the French side made it difficult for Ireland early on.

Les Bleues controlled the opening period and turned their possession into points when Ladagnous surged through to score after 20 minutes, but Agricole was off target with the conversion.

Agricole did hold her nerve to post a penalty before the break, extending their advantage to two scores, a lead which Ireland would not be able to overcome despite their resurgence.

The girls in green almost made the dream start to the second half when wing Niamh Kavanagh split the home defence to cross but play was brought back for a French penalty.

The visitors were banging on the door as the clock ticked down but the solid-steel French rearguard was holding firm until prop Cristelle Chobet saw yellow on 68 minutes.

Ireland made the player advantage count when Molloy found space to cross and Niamh Briggs added the conversion to set up a grandstand finish.

But despite last-gasp Irish pressure, France dug deep to stave off the onslaught and hang on to the lead much to the delighted of the 9,000-strong home crowd.