RTÉ rugby analyst Bernard Jackman says the losing bonus point Ireland claimed in Paris could yet prove crucial in the final analysis and reckons this may have been factored into the team's thinking when they took the contentious decision to take three points rather kick for the corner when trailing by six late in the game.
Awarded a penalty at 27-21 down on the 72nd minute, captain James Ryan and out-half Joey Carbery opted against kicking for the corner in the hopes of manufacturing a seven-pointer, contenting themselves with narrowing the gap to three points from the kicking tee.
The decision was subjected to much critical scrutiny both in real-time and afterwards. While Ireland's lineout stats were underwhelming overall, an earlier attacking lineout had produced a maul from which Josh van der Flier scored the visitors' second try.
In his post-match press conference, Head Coach Andy Farrell stood by the decision-making on the field and was adamant the option taken was the correct one.
Speaking on Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1, Jackman says the decision was understandable in the context of the losing bonus incentive and the fact that Ireland were struggling in the lineouts at the time.
"I think the bonus point is significant. I think that was part of the decision-making in the 72nd minute when we did take the points," Jackman said.
"Given how the game went and how superior France were in a lot of sectors, I think a losing bonus point and stopping France getting an attacking bonus is a good result."
The former international hooker says Ireland are still in the mix for the championship and argues there's a high probability that France could come unstuck in one of their away games - Fabien Galthié's side have to play in Cardiff and Murrayfield, having struggled at both venues over the past decade.
"We have a good chance. We've gone to Paris which all the pundits before the competition would have said was the hardest game.
"England's form is pretty mixed. We wouldn't be overawed going to Twickenham and we host Scotland and Italy.
"So, we've got to hope France lose a game. And they've had two home games, they haven't played away for a long time.
"Scotland could certainly do a job on them. England - if they get their act together - could beat them as well. I think we're right in the hunt for this. It's highly unlikely there's going to be a Grand Slam this year. So I do think that bonus point could be crucial."
The match saw a first Six Nations start for Carbery - almost five and a half years after his Ireland debut - and Jackman praised his display, attributing no blame for the loss to the Munster fly-half.
Ireland's problems, according to Jackman, stemmed more the French defence successfully slowing the visitors' ruck ball, the home side's legendary defence coach Shaun Edwards once again managing to stymie Ireland in a big game.
"I thought Joey (Carbery) had a very good game, his kicking was on-point, he moved Ireland around the field pretty well.
"It wasn't his fault, he was operating off a lot of slow ball. And that was the big difference. We wondered what teams would do to try and stop Ireland's new attacking strategy.
"The answer from a Shaun Edwards point of view was to go after our ruck ball. So, we had 71% quick ball against Wales, we were down to 53% against France. Joey Carbery and Jamison Gibson-Park get affected by that.
"I thought Dan Sheehan, who came on for Ronan Kelleher early in the game, was absolutely outstanding. We're so lucky to have two really good young hookers at the moment.
"Ireland didn't play badly, we were just over-powered by what is probably one of the most physical teams in the world."
