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.
Sexton will get MOTM, (press will want the interview) but Conor Murray has been like a man amongst boys out there Today. #IREvFRA
— Donn O'Sullivan (@DonnOSullivan) February 25, 2017
Anyone else right now? 😫 #IREvFRA pic.twitter.com/8S1KLLFww4
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 25, 2017
Hurling fist pump, you know he means business #IREvFRA pic.twitter.com/wXJddd9i9Y
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/Sandra_NiD/status/835562188655972352
Henshaw has been impressive today #IREvFRA
— Anna (@AnnaCF88) February 25, 2017
Conor, you're man of the match. You can come in now for your tea #IREvFRA
— Dara Brady (@darabrady8) February 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/MallowNews/status/835562097601822720
And at the end of it all…
Phew #IREvFRA
— Holly Fur (@HollyFur) February 25, 2017
