France come from 13-0 down to beat Ireland 18-13 in Women's World Cup quarter-final

France recovered from a 13-0 half-time deficit to defeat Ireland 18-13 in a Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Sandy Park, Exeter, on Saturday, with Joanna Grisez's long-range try late in the second half sealing the victory.

Trailing by two tries at the interval, France produced an 18-point unanswered run after the break, triggered by a Morgane Bourgeois penalty and Charlotte Escudero's score, before Grisez broke away from inside her own 22 to finish the comeback. The win sends France into a semi-final against the winner of the England–Scotland quarter-final next weekend.

Ireland dominated the opening 40 minutes in windy conditions, with Dannah O'Brien and the Irish pack using territorial kicking and a powerful scrum to place pressure on the French line. Prop Linda Djougang crashed over from close range for the first try after France were forced into errors, and Stacey Flood finished a rolling Irish attack for a second try later in the half. O'Brien missed both conversions but added a penalty on the stroke of half-time to make it 13-0.

France's first half was marred by discipline issues, with tight-head Rose Bernadou yellow-carded for a high tackle and captain Manae Feleu sent to the sin bin for collapsing an Irish scrum. Playing with 14 for extended periods, France produced a crucial defensive stand in the final moments before half-time to keep Ireland scoreless thereafter.

The second half began better for France. With the wind now against them, they initially struggled to gain territory but were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute that Bourgeois slotted to get her team on the scoreboard. Ireland then lost replacement Grace Moore to a yellow card for a high tackle shortly before the hour mark, and France made the extra-player count when Escudero finished a line break to reduce the deficit. Bourgeois converted to cut Ireland's lead to 13-10 with around 20 minutes remaining.

As the contest opened up, France struck from deep. Grisez countered from inside her own 22, racing clear to cross with roughly 13 minutes left. France then extended their lead when Bourgeois added a second penalty, moving the visitors to 18 points and leaving Ireland needing a try to force extra time. In the closing minute, France replacement Alexandra Chambon received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, but Ireland were turned over at a late line-out and could not mount a final reply.

Ireland, who failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament and were seeking a first World Cup semi-final berth since 2014, conceded a third consecutive defeat to France — the sides have not seen an Irish victory over France since 2017. France, who crossed twice through Escudero and Grisez, managed the win despite three yellow cards to Bernadou, Feleu and Chambon over the course of the match.

The match featured intense forward contests, tactical kicking in difficult conditions and decisive individual moments. France's ability to withstand sustained Irish pressure while exploiting opportunities in the second half proved decisive, while Ireland's early dominance ultimately went unrewarded as they were unable to extend their margin or keep possession at critical junctures.

France will prepare to meet either England or Scotland, with their semi-final place confirmed after a comeback that highlighted both their resilience and counter-attacking threat.