Rugby World Cup: Ireland beat France

1. Pool D result: France 9-24 Ireland
2. Ireland top Pool D, now face Argentina. France play NZ
3. Ireland lose Sexton, O'Connell & O'Mahony to injury
4. R Kearney & Murray tries, Sexton 2 pens, Madigan 2 pens, 1 con
5. Spedding 2 pens for France, Parra 1

France 9-24 Ireland

A bruising encounter. A high rate of injury attrition.

But Ireland are there.

See you next weekend.

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Cardiff - rugby central

Yannick Nyanga

This is nice.

France's Yannick Nyanga provided the view from the team bus with a video taken on the way into the stadium.

He's right as well. The atmosphere in Cardiff next weekend - with New Zealand v France followed by Ireland v Argentina - will trump that in Twickenham - with Wales v South Africa and Scotland v Australia.

'Cheers and tears'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Ireland have the elation of a fine victory and the deflation of three injuries. I am a pretty deflated because it's a sad end for the players. You have got to enjoy these victories but because it's the World Cup it's straight on to the next game. Argentina are lying in wait now. We saw how close they ran New Zealand at this tournament. They also had a big win against South Africa in South Africa and they are going to pose a whole new set of questions."

France 9-24 Ireland

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Can the French revive themselves for next week?

Well, they will relish a meeting with the world champions a whole lot more than a game that was a dead rubber in terms of last-eight qualification.

But they will have to do a whole lot better than that second half performance.

It was bad enough to send Bibendum to drink.

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Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Ireland will celebrate the win but in this World Cup you have got to think what next. They will probably have to plan without two or three key players. Ireland have shown a performance everyone hoped they would."

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Magnanimous French chef Raymond Blanc...

Ireland on top in every area

BBC Sport

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Mock the Week presenter Dara O Briain was another to enjoy the heroic Irish performance

Paul O'Connell update

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Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has just been asked whether Paul O'Connell has played his last game at the World Cup and last game for Ireland. 

This is his answer...

I suspect it probably is. He looks pretty uncomfortable. He will have a scan on a hamstring. It was very much a group effort... the squad and the crowd were just phenomenal. We need to get a roof in Dublin to capture this sound."

Joe SchmidtIreland head coach

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Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny hails the performance of his compatriots.

Man of the match

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A pretty titanic performance from the 'Tullow Tank' Sean O'Brien.

He made 45 metres - the same number as wing Tommy Bowe.

He carried 19 times - more than any other Ireland player.

He won three turnovers - also a team-high total.

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Irish golfer and Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke pretty chuffed...

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Retired Irish jump jockey Tony McCoy offers his congratulations.

Next up

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

It's hard to believe there's going to be another chapter in the Ireland versus Argentina story. We have had good and bad against them."

France 9-24 Ireland

There is some considerable belief behind this Ireland team.

They take the acclaim of the Ireland fans at the end and it is like an almighty pep rally.

I think some of the fans will just stay in Cardiff for the week and brew up the atmosphere and anticipation a little longer.

Jamie Heaslip pays tribute to the crowd and they respond with even more decibels.

Chris Jones

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the Millennium Stadium

Joe Schmidt has shook the hands of all his coaching team. To a man Irish fans are on their feet. Jamie Heaslip punches the air. They have had to dig seriously deep with three big players off the pitch."

Pool D

BBC Sport

This is how Pool D ends up then.

Which in quarter-final speak means:

Saturday 17 October:

New Zealand v France in Cardiff at 20:00 BST

Sunday 18 October:

Ireland v Argentina in Cardiff at 13:00 BST

One One Direction man delighted

Ireland have gone in One Direction with this victory... to a quarter-final with Argentina.

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They will need it with Johnny Sexton, Paul O'Connell and Peter O'Mahony all in doubt.

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Full-time

BBC Sport

France 9-24 Ireland

Sean O'Brien gets the man of the match gong.

Might he be missing next weekend against Argentina though?

The citing official will doubtless be looking at his apparent punch on Pascal Pape in the opening minutes.

France 9-24 Ireland

Ireland are playing out the phases in total control.

Short-range runners into contact and the clock worn down to a single minute.

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France 9-24 Ireland

France's line-out has been leaky and now their scrum is crumbling.

Ireland have them backpedalling at speed and Nigel Owens awards another penalty the way of Joe Schmidt's side.

Madigan has grasped his chance

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

This game will have done Ian Madigan the world of good. Ireland have kept their shape and Madigan has been at the centre of that."

Penalty

Reuters

Over she goes.

Ireland are winning this second half 15-3.

France have clocked off. Maybe they are saving themselves for roasting some Kiwi next weekend.

France 9-21 Ireland

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Ireland have the penalty as France tunnel into the Cardiff turf at scrum time.

Ian Madigan points to the posts and takes his time as he lines it up...

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Celebration time

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

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Ireland's fans are celebrating and so they should because next week there won't be a lot to celebrate in the build-up to the quarter-final with all these injuries."

Replacement

Richardt Strauss on for Rory Best in the Ireland front row.

The green clad hordes in Cardiff are bouncing and ole-ing

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All over?

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

That's the game... I think."

Converted try

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Pull up the Argentina file on the hard drive Mr Schmidt.

Ireland's forwards rumble through some flakey French tackling.

 Rory Best thinks he is there. Not quite.

But, up against the post, all Conor Murray has to do is reach round and dot the ball against the base of the protector to score the try.

Madigan adds the extras.

France 9-14 Ireland

More Fields of Athenry. Ireland fans think this is won.

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France 9-14 Ireland

Rob Kearney's clearing kick is not the best. A weakling of a punt. 

But France have really not got going in this second half. Remi Tales and Morgan Parra run into each other as they try something intricate.

Accidental offside.

'Too many injuries'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

I never thought I would find myself saying this... I'm not sure it is sustainable having two guys every game getting carried off on a stretcher. It used to be such a rare sight."

France 6-14 Ireland

Ireland muddy the line-out ball from France. It is very scrappy for the French and Morgan Parra has to do some serious tidying up before he spins to the back division.

Then Sean O'Brien is in spoiling at the breakdown. He falls like a giant oak on the French side, dislodging the ball from Parra's grasp.

Scrum-down Ireland on their own 22m.

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France 6-14 Ireland

AP

Jack McGrath is judged to have gone high on Morgan Parra. 

That looked harsh. The Ireland prop was hunting the bouncing ball rather than the Frenchman's head.

France kick up into the Ireland 22m from the penalty. Hearts in Irish mouths all around.

'Impressive Madigan'

Rob Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

This is the best I have seen France defend for years and years. They have been so disciplined. As for Ian Madigan, he has looked so sharp. He has huge confidence and ability. His overall game and variety is better than we have seen from Johnny Sexton in the last two years."

France 6-14 France

Chris Henry is just getting a once-over from referee Nigel Owens after the Ireland flanker gets a bang to the head.

"What is my name?" asks Owens. 

Hardly 'who is the prime minister?' is it?

And Henry gives him the cheeky reply he deserves.

"Francois," he says.

'Grandstand finish'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

We have a grandstand finish. It's going to be a long last 15 minutes."

Masterful Madigan

David Humphreys

Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio Ulster

“Ian Madigan has probably exceeded our expectations in terms of being an adequate replacement for Johnny Sexton. He just has to continue making the right decisions. The next 15 minutes are crucial as regards Ireland getting to where they want to be to fulfil their ambitions at this World Cup.”

Blunt French attack

France are seriously lacking in attack and seem content to sit back and defend.

They have had only 70 carries to Ireland's 132 and have made 218m to 393m from the Irish.

Penalty

AP

Morgan Parra steps up and knocks over a penalty from just inside the Ireland half.

A decent bit of leather and it takes the gap down to five points.

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'Exhausting'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

This is exhausting. The French players...four of them have their hands on their knees. They have just been defending, defending, defending."

France 6-14 Ireland

AP

France are handed a lifeline by referee Nigel Owens who rules that Ireland's forwards have come off their feet.

The French are clinging onto this game by their fingernails. They need the next score.

Forwards win maches

Reuters

France have now lost three line-outs, which illustrates the pressure the Irish forwards are placing on the French, even without Paul O'Connell.

The French have also conceded 13 turnovers as the Irish turn the screw.

France 6-14 Ireland

Ireland bashing up the France 22m line with Mike Ross thundering into contact.

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Former England captain Will Carling is gripped by the action.

France 6-14 Ireland

Sean O'Brien makes immediate amends.

France went to the front to give replacement hooker Benjamin Kayser an easier first throw.

That freed up O'Brien to fly at the midfield breakdown and jackal over Mathieu Bastareaud for the turnover.

France 6-14 Ireland

Ireland steal another bit of French line-out ball.

The has been plenty of plunder there today. But Sean O'Brien has given a penalty away as he chases up and kick, makes a tackle and then does not release the man.

France boot the ball down into the corner and they will keep this line-out simple. Up, down and drive for your lives.

'Party'

Chris Jones

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the Millennium Stadium

There's an Irish party inside the Millennium Stadium. It might have started 25 minutes too early but the fans know they have foothold in this clash. At this moment in time Ireland will be facing Argentina in the quarter-finals next Sunday."

Replacement

France are throwing the dice.

A complete change at half-back with Sebastien Tillous-Borde and Freddie Michalak giving way to Morgan Parra and Remi Tales.

Bernard Le Roux has replaced Damien Chouly in the back row as well.

'Speechless'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

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I'm struggling for words. That is another serious blow for Ireland, losing O'Mahony. To get three injuries in one game to three big players is unbelievable."

France missing tackles...

Finally Ireland's dominance in possession pays off as they break the French resistance, which hasn't been as effective at the beginning of this half.

 France have missed 17 tackles, twice as many as Ireland.

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France 6-14 Ireland

More injury concerns for Ireland. Flanker Peter O'Mahony is also in trouble after first-half injuries for Johnny Sexton and Paul O'Connell.

Chris Henry is on for O'Mahony, who looks like his leg was caught underneath him as Pascal Pape made the tackle.

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France 6-14 Ireland

France have not come to the second-half party at all.

Thierry Dusautoir allows a routine pass to slip through his fingers on his own 22m line.

Ireland with more prime Millennium Stadium real estate.

'Priceless'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

That try is worth so much more than five points having lost two influential players. There's a long way to go but Ireland have shown fantastic character."

Try

Reuters

Ireland worked France over superbly from that close-range scrum.

A neat inside ball to Tommy Bowe drew the attentions of the France back row. Quick recycle and Rob Kearney spots he has Freddie Michalak opposite him, barging through a flimsy tackle and over for the score.

Ian Madigan wide with the conversion.

France 6-9 Ireland

Ireland up to within a metre...

'Fantastic by Henshaw'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Fantastic break by Robbie Henshaw. He showed electrifying pace, came on to the ball with pace, and showed beautiful feet."

Henshaw left Mathieu Bastareaud for dead with a neat shimmy.

France 6-9 Ireland

Robbie Henshaw through the middle off first-phase ball!

He offloads to Tommy Bowe! Rob Kearney on the run-around.

He's hauled down just short. Ireland hammering on the door. France desperately barricading behind it.

Next score the winner?

David Humphreys

Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio Ulster

PA

“Both sides are feeling each other out, waiting for the other to make a small mistake. Whoever gets the next score may just give themselves the momentum they need to go and win. It needs someone to grab the game by the scruff of the neck.”

'Impressive Picamoles'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Louis Picamoles is France's stand out player. He got injured last season and came back having shed two stone. He produced an incredible first half performance here and put in some huge hits."

France 6-9 Ireland

A bit of claret on the stage.

Vincent Debaty, who has only just arrived off the bench, has a nasty head wound.

Eddy Ben Arous is back into the front-row fray for France.

'Scarecrow and Tinman'

France 6-9 Ireland

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Crafty from France scrum-half Sebastien Tillous-Borde who sidesteps the charge of Cian Healy and slaps the ball out of the grasp of the Ireland prop.

Ball forward and France put-in.

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'Ireland have lost their shape'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

You just got a sense that Ireland have lost a little bit of shape. They need to get up to the French half."

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See post at 17:44 BST for context...

Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien appeared to punch France lock Pascal Pape in the early stages of the game.

France 6-9 Ireland

Ireland pilfer line-out ball from the France throw-in. Metres to be made here. Wide they go and quickly to catch the French out.

Rob Kearney on the opposite wing grubbers ahead and ragathers.

Up to the France 22m.

O'Connell a big miss

Chris Jones

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the Millennium Stadium

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Desperate luck for Paul O'Connell. This was his 108th cap and his fourth World Cup. He would love to have settled this issue of Ireland under performing at World Cups."

Replacement

A change in the France front row as Eddy Ben Arous makes way for Vincent Debaty

France 6-9 Ireland

A glimmer of an opening as Ireland spin the ball through the hands and find the French short-staffed down the left wing.

But Sean O'Brien loses his grip on Keith Earls pass and the ball goes forward. Tommy Bowe was lurking with intent and no opposition outside him.

Fitness a key factor

David Humphreys

Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio Ulster

“This is where all the fitness work that these teams have done in the build-up to the World Cup comes into play. This is going to be a one score game and fitness will play a very significant part.”

Big test

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

This is a real test of character. We need to see new leaders emerge. We are really are really going to see how good this Ireland squad is with Sexton and O'Connell out."

France 6-9 Ireland

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A very nice little kick from Ian Madigan as he settles into the Ireland box seat.

A dead-eyed chip over an out-of-position France winger. One bounce and into touch in the French 22m.

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Kick-off

Ian Madigan gets us going in the second half, hoofing up to the France 22m line.

Iain Henderson has come on in place of Paul O'Connell.

France 6-9 Ireland

If Ireland are able to hang on and win this match, their quarter-final opponents will be Argentina.

And the Pumas have tweeted to say that fly-half Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias broke his nose in the win over Namibia earlier today.

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That will be an Iain Henderson with a point to prove.

The second row may not give his team Paul O'Connell's reassuring Easter Island head to look at, but he gives them a bit more dynamism in the loose.

France 6-9 Ireland

I'm not sure about that Simon. Paul O'Connell fell as he was cleared out. Awkward and accidental rather than a deliberate nobbling.

Sexton came in for some big hits, but nothing more than he would have expected and, if reports are to be believed, then it is a groin pull rather than that rib-tickler of a tackle from Louis Picamoles that have taken him out of action.

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France hold firm

Try as they might and with two-thirds of the ball, Ireland just can't get through the French defence and into their 22.

France are defending superbly and frustrating the Irish.

They have made 83 tackles so far in the game, to Ireland's 66.

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Costly?

Rob Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

There is a lot of rugby still to be played but two key players are off the field for Ireland. They have also missed a glorious opportunity to score a try. You would have expected Earls to have scored."

Half-time

BBC Sport

Ireland have a three-point lead.

What they don't have is Johnny Sexton or Paul O'Connell. 

For the rest of this match, possibly for the rest of this tournament.

'Brutal loss'

O'Connell injured

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Paul O'Connell is being carried off on a stretcher. There are nine medical staff surrounding him. There's a huge reception as he is take off the pitch. Is this the last time we see him in an Ireland shirt?

Worrying

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Paul O'Connell doesn't look in good shape at all. He was in a very awkward position and both legs were going in different directions."

O'Connell injured

Reuters

What is this though?

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell is laid out on the turf as the two teams head off the pitch.

The second row looks like he might have tweaked his hamstring.

Actually it might be a whole lot worse.

The big man is getting oxygen and is struggling to get to his feet. His match is certainly over.

His tournament? Well, that would be a massive blow to him personally and his team.

Half-time

France 6-9 Ireland

Penalty Ireland!

Ian Madigan gladly grabs the ball and hoofs it into the stands to send the teams back to the sheds.

France 6-9 Ireland

France into the Ireland 22m with a thrust from Noa Nakaitaci.

We are on the last play of the half.

France 6-9 Ireland

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Ireland are struggling to break down the France defence. Sixteen phases and they have made little impression on the blue wall.

In the end Robbie Henshaw tries to pick the lock with his boot. A little grubber, but that is gobbled up by the covering Brice Dulin.

'Sexton in tears'

Chris Jones

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the Millennium Stadium

We're told Johnny Sexton was wiping tears away from his face. Is his World Cup over?"

Sexton out?

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

It looks Johnny Sexton will not be taking any more part in this game. The worry for Ireland now is whether he will be fit for the next game?

ITV reports that it is a groin injury rather than a rib problem that has forced Sexton off.

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France 6-9 Ireland

A beautiful tickle of a kick from Ian Madigan, eludes Scott Spedding and takes play deep into the France 22m.

France clear up to halfway, but Ireland win the resulting line-out and are sniffing around the French danger-zone once again.

'One of the greats'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

What a fantastic last 10 minutes we have had. This is one of the great World Cup games between these two countries."

France 6-9 Ireland

A tremendous piece of work from Jamie Heaslip and Rory Best who engulf Thierry Dusautoir like a giant duvet as he picks and goes round the fringes.

Dusautoir attempts to hang on on the floor. He has done so half a second too long.

Pressure relieving penalty in their 22m for Ireland. 

France 6-9 Ireland

The replays of that chance that Tommy Bowe and Keith Earls butchered, reveal that it is all Earls' fault.

The centre might have had half an eye on the covering Brice Dulin. He certainly did not have two eyes fully on Bowe's pass that was right into his palms before he juggled forwards.

A tense affair

David Humphreys

Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio Ulster

AP

“It is just as we expected. An incredibly tense and tight affair. There are a lot of nerves around. Neither team has really taken hold of the game.”

'Lost opportunity'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

That ball spilt by Earls is an opportunity lost. You probably get one or two chances like that a game. Ireland need to recover quickly."

It seems the further the ball is away from the goal, the better Scott Spedding's kicks are.

He has kicked this monster from behind the half-way line (green line), which the tournament organisers say is the longest at this World Cup.

It was his second successful kick of the match after one from just inside his own half. And that is the first time the full-back has successfully kicked two penalties in a Test match.

The red lines indicate missed penalties by Spedding and Michalak, how costly they will be? we will find out later.

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Madigan the man

David Humphreys

Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio Ulster

"That penalty was a big test for Ian Madigan so soon after coming on for Johnny Sexton but he passed it with flying colours."

France 6-9 Ireland

Tommy Bowe with a searing break! Clean through the heart of the France midfield. Over halfway, up to the 22m line, Keith Earls free outside him....

No! 

The ball goes to ground and the chance is squandered. 

You can't afford many of those.

'Frantic'

Rob Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

It's frantic frantic. Both France and Ireland have created huge space out wide. We haven't seen any yet but this is a game where we are going to see some tries."

'Huge kick'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

That's a huge kick by Madigan considering he has just come off the bench. So much revolves around Sexton but that will give Madigan great confidence. I would imagine we will see Sexton in a few minutes."

Penalty

Reuters

New man on kicking duty but the same silver service off the tee.

Madigan strokes it through the middle.

France 6-6 Ireland

France give a penalty away as Yoann Maestri goes into a tackle on Tommy Bowe about 15 minutes early.

Serge Blanco in the France coaches box reacts like he has been handed an over-cooked steak as Nigel Owens awards the penalty Ireland's way.

Ian Madigan is going step up and try and fill Johnny Sexton's kicking boots.

Worrying

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

The big questions for Ireland are does Sexton go down the tunnel and come back again in 10 minutes? Or do we not see him again?

Replacement

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This is big. Johnny Sexton's ribs have taken too much of a bruising to continue.

France said they would target him and that car-crash hit from Louis Picamoles has forced him off after just 25 minutes.

Ian Madigan is on in his place.

France 6-6 Ireland

Johnny Sexton looks like he wants to stay out of the dark alleys and back streets of this match.

He has already been down for treatment and now he has been splattered in the tackle by Louis Picomoles.

'Great kick

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

That's another great kick by Spedding. It's almost a carbon copy of his earlier kick...from the halfway line just to the left. He looks very comfortable with those long range efforts."

France careless in possession

France might want to tighten up a bit, they have conceded five turnovers, while Ireland have given the ball away just once - all level on the scoreboard though.

Penalty

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Scott Spedding's boot is a bazooka and the France full-back sends his kick zooming off into the Cardiff stratosphere and over the posts.

Any indiscipline in their own half is likely to come at the cost of three points for Ireland.

France 3-6 Ireland

Peter O'Mahony instinctively grabs inside him as Guilhem Guirado bursts past Robbie Henshaw.

His arm is around the France hooker's neck and that is a penalty on halfway.

Something wrong with the defensive alignment there.

France 3-6 Ireland

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It has been an absorbing first quarter. The first chorus of Fields of Athenry does the rounds.

Penalty

Reuters

Clean as a whistle, fresh as a thistle.

Sexton cleaves through the middle to put Ireland back in front.

France 3-3 Ireland

Ireland have a penalty for the French not rolling away as their big runners make hard yards into the French half.

Advantage green.

Johnny Sexton has a free pop and goal with a dropper. It rebounds off the pole and away.

Never mind, he will get a go off the floor as play is brought back.

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'Kicking themselves'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Ireland will be kicking themselves. That was a penalty they didn't have to give away."

Penalty

Scott Spedding does not get it off the sweet spot, but his kick has enough legs to creep over and make the flags fly.

France 0-3 Ireland

Reuters

Delicious break from Freddie Michalak. A little show and go that leaves Paul O'Connell fumbling at thin air.

He is dragged down as the Ireland defence scrambles back, but the green shirts have gone to the floor to give away a penalty.

Thierry Dusautoir is ruling the breakdown at the moment.

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Ireland's cricket team lost by five wickets to Zimbabwe in Harae, but they have their fingers crossed for their rugby and football counterparts.

'Happy'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

In international rugby you have to take your chances and in games of this magnitude you have to come away with something. Ireland will be happy to have three points especially as France have been unable to convert two chances."

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Penalty

Johnny Sexton with a chance to show the French how it is done after prop Eddy Ben Arous is offside in front of his team-mate.

It is back towards halfway, on a slight angle. Sexton takes a long hard look, lines it up and slots straight through the middle.

And a punch of the air and he throws the tee back to the touchline.   

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

It's been pretty even but Ireland will be frustrated because France have had two early chances at taking the lead. Ireland haven't really been in the France half."

Missed penalty

Ohh!

Off the post... and back into the field of play. Chaos briefly. Sean O'Brien grabs the pigskin and sticks a big size 11 on it.

Nice clearing kick actually.

France 0-0 Ireland

The scrum nosedives into the Cardiff turf.

Pick the bones out of that one Nigel Owens.

The Welshman decides that Ireland were at fault. France point to the posts and, from halfway, it is the mighty boot of Scott Spedding that is going to take aim.

France 0-0 Ireland

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Brice Dulin claims Conor Murray's steepling box-kick under pressure from a mob of green shirts led by Tommy Bowe. 

France recycle and spin into midfield. Some muffed handling. It has gone forward off a Irish hand first. 

Scrum down blue.

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Irish golfer and 2016 Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke is cheering on the boys in green.

'Frustrating'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Every time I watch Ireland play under Joe Schmidt it takes a couple of minutes off my life because Ireland play a huge amount of rugby inside their own half. I'm not sure why they do it."

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Missed penalty

Reuters

Is Freddie Michalak going to have one of his off days?

The maverick French fly-half (is there any other sort?) screws his kick wide off the tee.

It was not a gimme, but very makeable.

France 0-0 Ireland

Ireland with the ball just outside their 22m. Good running from Keith Earls as they spread wide.

But that has just given Thierry Dusautoir a target. The French skipper gets to the breakdown first and forces a penalty from referee Nigel Owens.

France 0-0 Ireland

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It looks like Pascal Pape might have been on the end of a bit of rough stuff from Sean O'Brien.

The France second row took Jamie Heaslip out with a knee to the back in their Six Nations meeting earlier this year and it looks like karma has been delivered.

'Ferocious'

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Fantastic opening. Sean O'Brien copped a little bit of criticism this week for not getting into games but I counted he touched the ball three of four times in the first minute or so... big yards. The ferocity of the tackles is evident already."

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France 0-0 Ireland

Ireland are in at the side of the ruck. Their momentum piddles away with a France penalty. 

But the stoppage in play gives Pascal Pape a chance to get treatment. The second row is up. He wanders gingerly to the sidelines. He might not make it through the 80. 

France 0-0 Ireland

Ireland with the first turnover of the match as Peter O'Mahony pounces on the loose ball.

They have possession and a numerical advantage. France hardman Pascal Pape is laid out injured after a blow to the ribs.

Kick-off

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We are under way. Freddie Michalak boots up to the Ireland 22m line where full-back Rob Kearney gathers safely.

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First up is the Marseillaise. A top selection from the anthems jukebox from the French.

But, as the crowd stand shoulder-to-shoulder to answer Ireland's Call, there is no doubt who ranks higher on the decibel meter.

A corner of Cardiff is emerald for the next 80 minutes. 

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Teams out

The two teams line up opposite each other in the Millennium Stadium corridors.

Thierry Dusautoir and Paul O'Connell staring each other out from six feet apart.

Finally a stage hand gives them the nod and the two teams troop out into the Cardiff cauldron.

Lid on. Game on.

Ireland seek first World Cup win over France

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Previous Ireland teams at World Cups have found France too hot to handle. Thierry Lacroix’s 26 points helped the French wallop Ireland 36-12 in the 1995 quarter-finals and Keith Wood’s international career ended in tears eight years later as Bernard Laporte’s side won 43-21 at the last-eight stage. A certain Frederic Michalak scored 23 points that day. In 2007, Michalak starred again as France’s 25-3 victory contributed to Ireland’s dismal pool stages exit. Eight years on, the sides meet with Ireland having won the last two Six Nations, in part thanks to two victories over the French. But this is the World Cup and not the spring when the ravages of the Top 14, their domestic league, saps French strength.    

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Team news

John Haughey

BBC Sport at the Millennium Stadium

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France coach Philippe Saint-Andre opts for two changes from the win over Canada with classy number eight Louis Picamoles and wing Noa Nakaitaci in for Bernard Le Roux and Remy Grosso.

France: Spedding; Nakaitaci, Bastareaud, Fofana, Dulini; Michalak, Tillous-Borde; Ben Arous, Guirado, Slimani; Pape, Maestri; Dusautoir (capt), Chouly, Picamoles. 

Replacements: B Kaysir, V Debaty, N Mas, A Flanquart, B Le Roux, M Parra, R Tales, A Dumoulin.

Team news

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Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has made three changes from the scratchy win over Italy last weekend with the big call his surprise demotion of Iain Henderson to the bench.

Devin Toner, all 6ft 11in, is in for his “line-out capability” has earned him the nod over Henderson, who has probably been Ireland’s most impressive performer at the tournament.

Rob Kearney slots back in at full-back in place of Simon Zebo, who drops out of the match-day squad entirely, while Cian Healy replaces Jack McGrath.

Ireland: R Kearney; Bowe, Earls, Henshaw, D Kearney; Sexton, Murray; Healy, Best, Ross; Toner, O’Connell (capt); O’Mahony, O’Brien, Heaslip. 

Replacements: Strauss, McGrath, White, Henderson, Henry, Reddan, Madigan, Fitzgerald.

Team news

Right, let's get down to the serious business of team news.

Our man on the ground John Haughey has the teams hot of the press. 

Well, warmish. They were announced 48 hours ago.

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The Pool D decider has got the world watching as well....

Ah, unifying must-watch television moments and beauty queens. It's like the 20th century all over again.

Physicality key for Ireland

David Humphreys

Former Ireland fly-half

“Today will be decided by whether Ireland can match France’s physicality.

"France have a massive pack and they will bully Ireland up front and Mathieu Bastareaud will attempt to bully the Irish defence as well.

“If Ireland can deal with that, tactically I believe that they have a much better team – although I am very surprised that Joe Schmidt has left Iain Henderson out of Ireland’s starting line-up.

"Henderson's absence suggests Ireland are going to kick the ball off the pitch a lot and then hope that they can disrupt the France line-out."

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BBC boys run into 'the Bull'

John Haughey

BBC Sport at the Millennium Stadium

Look who we bumped into at Dublin Airport at the ungodly hour of 6.30 this morning - former Ireland prop John ‘the Bull’ Hayes on his way to the big match.

The 105-times capped Limerick man is tentatively tipping Ireland to edge out the French.

“It’s going to be tight but I think we’ll just do it. We’ll need to play a lot better than we did against Italy last week, though,” he said.

Inpho

John Hayes in Dublin airport on his way to Cardiff for the World Cup showdown against France

Fitzpatrick backing the boys in green

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Sean Fitzpatrick counting the French World Cup upsets against the All Blacks

The winners of this match will play an impressive Argentina in the quarter-finals.

The losers will get the defending champions New Zealand.

A draw, by the way, will see Ireland top the pool on points difference.

All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick will be supporting Ireland, hoping that his team can avoid a reunion with a French side that shocked them - and the world - in the 1999 and 2007 tournaments.

"I rather see New Zealand play Ireland every time," he told the Sunday Times.

"Joe Schmidt is clearly a good coach and his team should have won the last time they met New Zealand, but Ireland have not really performed so far in England."

Ireland's moment of truth

John Haughey

BBC Sport NI at the Millennium Stadium

And so the real test arrives for Ireland in the Gallic guise of a nation that invariably gets it right at World Cup time.

It’s surely the moment of truth, or should we say ‘moment de verite’, for Joe Schmidt’s squad. Defeat will see the Irish meeting holders New Zealand in the quarter-finals back here in Cardiff next Saturday evening. Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks in 28 meetings stretching back to 1905. An Ireland victory will mean a last-eight contest with Argentina at the Millennium Stadium a week from today. Far from easy but sounds a better option, we think.

Inpho

Joe Schmidt's Ireland prepare to face France at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in the Rugby World Cup

Absolute cockerels

Bottom of the class for these fellas though.

They have attempted to recreate the iconic mascot of French rugby and ended up looking like an accident in the Breaking Bad prop department.

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French fancies

The French are bringing some serious fancy-dress game to the Welsh capital today.

Draw up your list and tick em' off. 

Napoleons?

Check.

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Iconic Gallic tyre manufacturer/food critic? (An admittedly strange combo)

Check.

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Captain France. Asterix. Er, giant chicken man?

Check. Check. And check.

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Cardiff 'rocking' for Pool D decider

Folks, Cardiff is absolutely rocking ahead of this Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

The streets are thronged with green jerseys and it's reckoned that some 15,000 French fans have also made their way to the Welsh capital for this Pool D decider. The atmosphere was tremendous three weeks ago when Ireland fans invaded Cardiff for the team's World Cup opener against Canada but the excitement today is up several levels from that. Not too many punters in here yet but we're assured it will be a 74,500 full house.

Inpho

Ireland fans arrive in Cardiff ahead of the Rugby World Cup Pool D decider

Cardiff crowded

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"Do you hear the people sing, singing the songs of drunken men?"

It looks like a scene from Les Miserables on the streets of Cardiff this afternoon, if the sans-culottes had worn green jester hats.

Blood, sweat and near things

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Sexton was also a marked man in the Six Nations meeting between the two sides in February.

A clash of heads with France centre Mathieu Bastareaud left him nursing a bloody eye. But he returned to the pitch the pitch and piloted his side to an 18-11 win.

That was Ireland's second successive win over France. They have not won three in a row against the French since 1973.

The last seven games between the two have all been settled by margins of seven points or fewer, including two draws in 2012 and 2013.

Strap in. It's going to be close.

"I am going to hunt him down"

L'Equipe

And France prop Eddy Ben Arous is chief bounty-hunter.

"I am going to hunt him down. We are going to go after him 200%," he told the press this week.

There have been off-the-record briefing as well. An unnamed source at Racing 92 - the French club that Sexton is leaving at the end of this tournament - told l'Equipe that he was "a self-centred boy capable of terrible anger". 

The article bore the headline "Johnny Cash".

Wanted

Jonathan Sexton

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The mastermind of the Irish outfit.

Distinguishing features: an unerring boot, a supercomputer rugby brain, a quick temper.

Reward: not having to play the All Blacks.