Draw in Paris felt like defeat admits Heaslip

Jamie HEASLIP admitted Ireland were left with the bitter taste of defeat despite drawing yesterday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with France 17-17.

The Irish squandered a 17-6 interval lead, inspired by two tries from winger Tommy Bowe, as Les Bleus struck back in the second half with a try from Wesley Fofana and six points from the boot of Morgan Parra.

The Grand Slam is now beyond France – only Wales can claim the ultimate prize – while Ireland’s title hopes are all but over.

The outcome in Paris extends the worst away run in the championship’s history, consisting of one victory in 40 years.

“I was interviewed by the BBC after the game and they said ‘You must be happy with that result’, but it’s a pretty hard pill to swallow,” Heaslip said.

“We came here to win and outscored France two tries to one, so to draw is a mixed bag. It’s frustrating. We were confident at half-time. We’ll look at the penalties, some of them we might agree with, some of them we might not.”