Republic of Ireland 0-1 France: Stephen Kenny's Boys in Green push World Cup runners-up close as Benjamin Pavard hammers home winner just after half-time before Mike Maignan makes brilliant late save from Nathan Collins

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These two nations are ranked No 1 and No 2 in the rugby union world rankings but, despite perhaps the performance of the Stephen Kenny era, a footballing gulf in class eventually showed here.

A raucous Dublin crowd roared on Kenny's Kids, a nickname given to Ireland's young and exciting new generation, but the Aviva Stadium was ultimately silenced by one sloppy error and a world-class goalkeeping save by France keeper Mike Maignan.

Josh Cullen's mistake was the only negative on a night of positives for Ireland and perhaps a sign of things to come. They started their World Cup qualifying campaign with defeat here to lowly Luxembourg and a bruising loss in Serbia. This was a much better start.

This was far from the thunderous and pulsating Six Nations clash in this stadium last month but Ireland matched France pound-for-pound and made Didier Deschamps' star-studded side look average.

'There are a lot of positives to take and we had enough chances to get a point,' said man of the match Chiedozie Ogbene, the Rotherham winger. 'We gave everything, and we trained to win this game all week. We matched one of - if not the - best team in the world. The future is bright.'

Benjamin Pavard's stunner from outside the box opened the scoring just after the interval

Pavard's strike flew in off the crossbar to give the visitors the lead and gave Gavini Bazunu no chance

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was called on twice in the dying seconds to deny Ireland an equaliser

Captain Kylian Mbappe barely had a kick and Antoine Griezmann was only noticeable because of his bright pink hair. So although they leave with nothing to show for it, the Boys in Green will be buoyed by this.

Their boss Kenny promised to fight with 'fire and ice' and not 'accept a slow death' before this match and his team followed his orders, using the bouncing crowd to their advantage.

Gavin Bazunu made a couple of smart saves but, aside from that, France barely threatened the Southampton keeper's goal. Veteran captain Seamus Coleman put in a solid performance to keep Mbappe quiet, while Rotherham winger Ogbene looked dangerous.

Evan Ferguson showed he is more than a penalty-box predator with some clever hold-up play. The 18-year-old warranted the biggest cheer at the Aviva Stadiums as the starting XIs were read out and it is understood Manchester United had sent scouts to watch him.

Ireland were only undone when Burnley's Cullen played a silly pass across his goal and into the path of Benjamin Pavard to finish nicely into the top corner early in the second half. Ireland responded well and Adam Idah looked dangerous off the bench.

It was Wolves defender Nathan Collins, though, who had Ireland's best chance, as the defender forced Mike Maignan into the sort of full-stretch save that strengthened his case as No 1 in the post-Hugo Lloris era.

'We rallied strongly and the players gave everything,' said Kenny. 'France were relieved to get out of here with a win. That from their goalkeeper was the save of the season!

'Listen, the players gave their all. We've got six points to play for in June now. It was disappointing to lose here.'

France held on under late pressure from the home side to make it two wins from two games

Ireland were true to Stephen Kenny's promise of not accepting a 'slow death' and fought throughout

Maignan was left with very little to do during the game but was on hand to steer France to victory late on

Veteran Ireland captain Seamus Coleman kept Kylian Mbappe largely quiet in the game

The Irish crowd were raucous in their support at a sold-out Aviva Stadium on Monday evening

Kenny's side restricted the World Cup runners-up to only three shots on target despite their quality

Mbappe's first two games as French captain have both resulted in wins after hammering Netherlands 4-0 on Friday

Brighton youngster Even Ferguson showed that he is more than just a penalty-box predator

To re-live all the action from France's 1-0 victory over Republic of Ireland on Monday, click HERE.