The Letterkenny flanker managed to supply a fine finish for Ireland after some steady build up play which put them 10-5 ahead after 22 minutes.
By half-time Ireland were leading 17-5 with a shock result looking on the cards. In a crazy five minute spell of high octane rugby at the start of the second half, France switched the plug and managed to turn the game on its neck.
Ireland were then 19-17 down which proved to be a margin that they couldn’t over-turn.
After 51 minutes, France pushed 26-17 ahead but Ireland did grab a late try and conversion to ensure a difficult final few minutes for the French.
Unfortunately that would be the final score of the game, but Ireland did manage a bonus point as they hit four tries. This could turn out to be invaluable come the end of the group-stage.
Dunleavy managed 68 minutes of the action and will now look ahead to the games with Georgia and South Africa.
