Host nation France kicked off their campaign in the IRB Under 21 World Championship with a 26-8 win against gutsy Ireland.
The French had the better of the first half, both in the tight when they needed to and in the loose where they tried to open the game up, and led at the break 14-0 thanks to tries from Heguy and Tillous-Borde.
The Irish were ever combative, however, and weathered the last five minutes of the half with 14 men after captain and hooker Philpott saw yellow.
And that same fighting spirit saw them burst back into contention early in the second period. France second row Drozdz was sin-binned for foul play at the ruck and centre Tom Gleeson sparked an attacking frenzy by Ireland that saw Philpott - back on the pitch - score to bring the score to 14-5.
France recovered their composure, however, and, although French IRB Sevens try machine Jacques Boussuge was refused a try, Drozdz did score to make up for his earlier misdemeanour. Boussuge then capitalised on some cast-iron French defence to take the ball and sprint the length of the pitch for the final score to break Irish hearts.
Quotes
Loic Jacquet, France second row: "At 14-0 it was going well but they didn't give up. They flew into everything and it was the coaching that got us through in the end. This is a World Cup and all the games are going to be tough."
Emile N'tamack, France coach: "The start of the second half was catastrophic. We couldn't keep the ball and the set piece went. The injuries to captain Fabien Cibray and Lionel Beauxis destabilised us a bit but I'm very proud of the fight they showed. A first match is always difficult and the tournament is very open but we're in good shape having got the bonus point."
Mark McDermott, Ireland coach: "In the first half we didn't play as directly as we should have. I got the guys around at half time and re-set the direction and the rhythm was better in the second half.
“Unfortunately fatigue hit in at the most crucial time the game and, unlike the French, we weren't able to make the most of our strongest moments. Now we'll go away and study the Argentines and come up with a plan accordingly."