Highlights: Scotland overcome Wales and Ireland edge France in Six Nations

In the build-up to Ireland hosting France in the 2015 Six Nations, Sexton was preparing to return from a 12-week concussion lay-off – and even then Bru claimed Les Bleus would change tack and leave him alone.

Ireland have kept their Six Nations championship hopes alive after they beat France 19-9 in the Aviva Stadium this evening.

Both teams were unaffected by Dublin’s rainfall and produced a passionate game of rugby that typified European rivalry.

France have plenty to be positive about despite losing for the second time in this year’s Six Nations, according to coach Guy Noves.

Ireland can now set up a title decider with England in Dublin on Saturday, March 18 with victory against Wales in Cardiff on Friday, March 10.

“Probably because of the bonus points we gained against Scotland and Italy, and England haven’t had a bonus point yet, that has helped”.

Ireland’s next challenge is in Wales who Schmidt said were unlucky in their 29-13 loss to Scotland and would be “disappointed and determined” opponents.

“I think Scotland have proven they are very hard to get past”. They recovered from a shaky start that saw them go 6-0 down to two Camile Lopez penalties before man-of-the-match Murray’s converted try gave the home side a 7-6 half-time lead.

“We defended well in phases, but on the back of their line-out game and some individual defensive errors, we let ourselves down on a couple of occasions”. “Wales may have lost to Scotland on the scoreboard, but they had two disallowed tries and for a lot of the game looked as if they were in control”.

Flyhalf Johnny Sexton, returning to the side after injuries, gave Ireland a 10-point lead with two penalties and a drop goal early in the second half.

“You get stronger from these things and find out about alot of people around you and youself”.

“I think the French were as formidable as we expected them to be physically”, said Schmidt.

Conor Murray got over after 30 minutes when he spotted a gap with Ireland a few metres out and slipped through the French rearguard to touch down.

Speaking at the post-game press conference, Ireland captain Rory Best pointed to improvements made in Ireland’s defence and the lessons they learned from the outing against Scotland.