What a performance.
Ireland came out for the second half 9-6 up but without their influential fly-half Johnny Sexton and the talismanic Paul O’Connell. The tension was something else entirely.
Amazed that with all the tension in the Millennium Stadium everyone still manages to have full pints
— Evan Fanning (@evanfanning) October 11, 2015
But it only took our boys mere moments to stamp their dominance back on the game, Rob Kearney going over the line to make it 14-6 to Ireland. It was such a relief that he ended up stirring some loins out there in Twitterland.
Rob Kearney you sexy, sexy man.
— Richard (@_rking) October 11, 2015
https://twitter.com/BrighidBB/status/653253979120508928
Rob Kearney you sexy fucker 🍀🏉
— Jack Murray⚽️ (@jackmurray31) October 11, 2015
Yes Rob Kearney you sexy mother fucker #IREvFRA
— James Rooney (@JamesRooney11) October 11, 2015
Madigan missed the conversion, and Irish spirits endured yet another dampening when Peter O’Mahony had to be replaced – taking Ireland’s injury count to three for the day. O’Mahony followed Johnny Sexton and Paul O’Connell to the physio’s table.
Some body count out there.
— Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (@RossOCK) October 11, 2015
To miss one of your first choice players is a challenge, to lose three of them in 50 minutes is unthinkable, but the boys in green soldiered on.
No O'Connell, Sexton or O'Mahony and yet loads of leaders 2nd half. So many players stood up. Absolutely brilliant by #IRE #RWC2015
— Robbie Meredith (@robbeorn) October 11, 2015
If Ireland beat France without Sexton, O'Connell & O'Mahony, then it'll be as good as any victory we've ever had.
— Niall Donnelly (@NiallDonnelly5) October 11, 2015
https://twitter.com/JerryLane_/status/653261260469964800
Ireland’s hard work bore the most delicious of fruit about ten minutes from time when Ireland withstood some tough French pressure, surged forward and over the line with Conor Murray grabbing his fourth try of the tournament.
Spectacular try by #Ireland – heroic play burying #France – V v well done Conor Murray #RugbyWorldCup
— Ronan Leo Tynan (@RonanLTynan) October 11, 2015
Madigan got back into his groove, nailing the conversion before stroking another penalty between the posts, sealing a 24-9 win for Ireland four minutes from time.
Heard yer da wasn't sure if Ian Madigan had the temperament for international rugby.
— Dominic Storey (@DominicStorey) October 11, 2015
There is not a woman in this country that wouldn't have Ian Madigan's.babies right now. And I'm guessing the men if they could #IREvFR
— Niamhers (@niamhhassell) October 11, 2015
Bravery, blood, sweat, tears. This performance had it all. Bring on Argentina, the lads are clearly ready to do Paulie proud.
