Replacement Cyriak Ponnau's injury-time try ended brave Irish resistance and kept France on course for the IRB Under 19 World Championship semi-finals thanks to a 26-18 victory in Dubai.
The lead changed hands four times before France, who cruised to a big win over champions South Africa in their opening game, made the match safe when the hooker was smuggled over in the corner in the last seconds.
Brian O'Driscoll was in the crowd to boost the side he helped to win the 1998 event in Toulouse, and for a while it appeared that a second surprise was on the cards following Ireland's defeat of England in the opening round of matches.
But France, who led 11-8 at the turnaround, just had enough forward strength and creativity behind the scrum for another victory.
Skipper and flanker Jean Monribot claimed a try for the second successive match while winger Yoann Huget also touched down.
Sean Carey and Conor McInerney both crossed for Ireland for whom skipper David Pollock was again outstanding in the back row.
Winger Lachlan Rosengreen finished with four tries as Australia made it two out of two, demolishing Romania 88-9 in Dubai, setting up an intriguing final group match on Thursday against great rivals New Zealand, who crushed Japan 90-10 in Sharjah.
England bounced back from their opening match reverse against Ireland with a 28-23 defeat of Argentina, and South Africa also opened their account with a 44-0 mauling of Samoa thanks to scores from winger Morne Jooste (2), hooker Divan Kapp, full-back Hayden Groepes, flanker Lubabalo Gwavu and prop Josephus Oosthuizen.
Six Nations Grand Slam champions Wales, outgunned in their opening game by New Zealand, had too much power and pace for Scotland, cruising to a 35-5 triumph in Dubai.
Flanker Josh Turnbull, centre Ashley Smith, No 8 Sam Kiley and winger Jimmy Norris claimed first-half tries for Wales, all converted by fly-half Rhys Jones for a 28-0 lead.
The second half was a closer affair with Scotland coming back into proceedings although Wales were next on the board through captain and lock Bradley Davies.
But the Scots' endeavours were finally rewarded in injury time when winger Colin Goudie's cross-field run to the right corner produced a solo try.
