Injured: Ireland’s Jared Payne ruled out of Rugby World Cup

Decent first-half performance from both sides but the injuries to Sexton and O’Connell will be the main talking points.

By that hour, the official World Cup fanzone in Cardiff Arms Park, alongside the Millennium Stadium, was already full.

The collective, as ever with this Ireland, amounted to more than the sum of the individual parts.

France are still France and as many an Irish fan has said this week, Schmidt has more than earned the right to do things his way and expect the backing of the support. The big picture is still that Irish rugby is in the midst of a mini golden age with back-to-back Six Nations titles and good performances against the southern hemisphere sides in home Tests. But there were no weak links in the chain.

Sexton was kicking well but disaster struck as Louis Picamoles’ heavy tackle ended the Irish out-half’s game.

O’Connell said Payne’s ability to impose his calmness on those around him would be badly missed.

“His foot just got re-checked this week”. Hands are dusted off, move along, nothing to see here.

It was however the French who had the opportunity to get France off the mark after six minutes with a penalty after Devin Toner strayed offside, but Freddie Michalak could only watch as his kick drifted wide.

Earls partners Renshaw against France.

“We know that against Ireland it will be a high-level game; we will have to be disciplined and very strong on high balls”, warned Saint-Andre, who never lost against Ireland as a player.

Johnny Sexton’s boots at Ireland’s captain’s run.

Ireland would pay a hell of a price, if not on the scoreboard.

It’s unclear what exactly is wrong him but he seems to have picked up a knock.

Kearney must counter France fielding two regular full-backs in their back-three, with Brice Dulin on the wing and Scott Spedding at 15.

“And they’re not just bigger, they obviously have incredible players with fantastic talent and skill so the challenge is massive for us”.

About the only positive of that grim scenario, was that Ireland had 15 minutes to regroup.

“That is why Ireland have to show more in this tournament – and if they can, then great and it is enjoyable to watch their progress backed by the awesome Irish support”. The tactic was first foiled by Quintin Geldenhuys coming through the middle of a maul in the 32 minute…

“Our task is to go and beat US and be the first team (to win three games) to not qualify for the quarter-finals”.

Ireland battled to a 16-9 win over Italy but will have to improve if they are to have any chance of beating France and claiming top spot in Pool D.

“I don’t know whether France are trying to paint it out as a negative picture or not, but it’s 100 per cent not”.

When Madigan found a huge touch, it felt like a momentum shift, and it was, the final one. Ireland’s success in recent years has been largely based on their kicking game, with Conor Murray also pivotal in this respect. This was as much about desire and seeking relatively softer shoulders as sheer strength. Madigan nailed it from 45 metres.

Another penalty for France and another wide. One of the great days.

Sebastien Tillous-Borde retains his spot at scrum-half with Morgan Parra having to settle for a place on the bench, while Frederic Michalak is at fly-half.

Ireland won despite losing Jonny Sexton, captain Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony to serious injuries during the unforgiving encounter at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.