Irish fans celebrate on Twitter as Ireland beat France 19-9

Ireland have seized the opportunity to go top of the Six Nations leaderboard with a powerful win over France in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Ireland were criticised for not opting to kick their penalties towards the end of the first half, something which was rectified with unbelievable effect in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. Johnny Sexton justified his return to the starting line-up ahead of Paddy Jackson, kicking two penalties and a drop goal with efficiency to give Ireland a 16-6 lead early in the second-half. Camille Lopez made it a nervy finish for Ireland when he added to his tally, scoring his third penalty of the game and putting France within one converted try of tying the game but it wasn't to be for the French. Paddy Jackson, replacing Johnny Sexton, stepped up to the plate and restored Ireland's 10 point lead. Ireland came out of the game without the crucial try bonus point, but a strong showing over this France outfit is certainly not something that Irish fans will turn up their noses at. https://twitter.com/DonnOSullivan/status/835556853962653696 https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/835555598406135808 https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/835552507321585664 https://twitter.com/Sandra_NiD/status/835562188655972352 https://twitter.com/AnnaFrew88/status/835562147128217600 https://twitter.com/darabrady8/status/835562115779944448 https://twitter.com/MallowNews/status/835562097601822720 And at the end of it all... https://twitter.com/HollyFur/status/835562384148267008