The win, by a score of 24-9, leaves Ireland top of the pool with a points difference of +99 as they progress to the next round where they will take on Argentina.
The game was clearly a hugely challenging one, as Paul O'Connell and Johnny Sexton went off injured, and Schmidt's comments after the game were not positive on the captain's chances of playing again in this tournament.
Schmidt says Paulie to have scan on hamstring tomorrow, suspects today was his last game for Ireland.
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) October 11, 2015
Throughout the 80 minutes, Ireland battled hard and dominated France all over the pitch, something which took its toll both physically and emotionally on the players, who celebrated at the final whistle with both and outpouring of joy and tears.
Look, just LOOK at what this means to them. We love you Mad Dog #IREvFRA http://t.co/GXsAw1V24C pic.twitter.com/SnmC2ct7nl
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) October 11, 2015
The scenes at the end of the game were also a sight to behold, showing just how much this victory meant to the Irish side.
Images: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Images: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Images: ©INPHO/James Crombie
