Ireland coach Declan Kidney admitted they lost to France because they conceded too many penalties.

"When you score three tries to one and you lose on penalty kicks it is something we need to take a look at," said Kidney after the 25-22 defeat.

"The fact that it was an improved performance does not matter.

"The Irish people want us to win, the players want to win. We are not going to put up with just good performances - we are better than that."

Skipper Brian O'Driscoll conceded they had only themselves to blame.

"We spoke during the week about the need to avoid giving away penalties because it would allow France to keep the scoreboard ticking over, but that is exactly what happened," he said.

"We hurt ourselves with indiscipline and there were careless turnovers at crucial times.

"I think we looked the more threatening. France might have had more possession but every time we got down to the green zone we looked as if we could score tries.

"Three tries to one tells it all."

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