Match report: France v Ireland Match stats

The home team were only 11-10 ahead after 44 minutes but two tries in three minutes sealed the victory.

"We were making a lot of handling errors and our kicking out of hand was well below par," said Laporte.

"However in the second half we started to get some momentum going. We always felt once we had ironed out the wrinkles we could develop our game.

"In the second-half we were carrying the ball with deeper penetration and started to put them under pressure.

"We were still making some little mistakes but you have to accept that because you have to take risks to succeed.

"It was quite a big victory margin and overall I am satisfied."

France captain Fabien Pelous paid tribute to his side's defence after they held Ireland at bay in the first half and only conceded tries from Anthony Foley and Tyrone Howe after the break.

"I was especially happy that our defence made us feel comfortable," said the 30-year-old.

"Although the Irish had possession and pressure, apart from that first try we didn't feel they were going to score again.