Eccentrically dressed Ireland fans arrive at Croke Park as it prepares to host its first Six Nations match

France find themselves 6-3 up before captain Raphael Ibanez extends their lead by scoring the first try in the 14th minute

David Skrela finds himself at the heart of the action with eight of the visitors' first 13 points coming from his boot

Trailing by 10 points, Ronan O'Gara inspires an Ireland recovery with his penalty and try cutting the gap to two

Ireland start the second half encouragingly - they go through the phases well and are helped by two penalties

Great work from Gordan D'Arcy creates another attack but the Leinster man brings the move to an end by knocking on

Imanol Harinordoquy pushes forward but goes on to concede a penalty which O'Gara duly converts to put Ireland ahead

A 69th-minute break by Andrew Trimble promises much but he slips at the crucial moment and France clear

With two minutes left, another O'Gara penalty puts Ireland four points clear and sees some early celebrations begin

But with time almost up, Vincent Clerc weaves his way through some poor tackling to break Ireland hearts

Lionel Beauxis's conversion completes a 20-17 win for France and gives the hosts a disappointing start at their new home