Ireland kept their Six Nations title hopes alive with a hard fought 19-9 win over France in Dublin.
We rate Joe Schmidt's side:
Rob Kearney - 6
Appeared off the pace from the beginning. Badly beaten in a one-on-one by Serin. Did run a beautiful dummy line when Sexton looped around the back at the end of the first half. Replaced by Trimble in the second half.
Keith Earls - 7
Anyone who tackles Antonio and Picamoles within the space of five seconds deserves praise as he halted a late French attack with the game in the balance. Contributed around the park when called upon.
Garry Ringrose - 7
Grew into the match as it progressed and showed his understanding with Henshaw is developing nicely at this level.
Ireland's Garry Ringrose with Louis Picamoles of France. Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Robbie Henshaw - 8
Made pivotal metres every time he touched the ball especially setting up the first try for Murray. Never stopped going at the French defence.
Simon Zebo - 7
Huge error trying to keep the ball in play and then flicking it over the dead ball line to give the French a five metre scrum. Made up for it though with a solid game thereafter.
Jonathan Sexton - 8
Back to his best. Kicked superbly out of hand and off the tee. His break led to the first try and he controlled the match as only he can.
Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton kicks a drop goal. Image: ©INPHO/Colm O'Neill
Conor Murray - 9
Sexton's partner in crime. Directed in tandem with his out-half. Took his try well and kicked brilliantly in the second half in particular to keep the French pinned back.
Jack McGrath - 7
Put himself about the park and had emptied the tank. Scrummaged well throughout.
Rory Best (c) - 8
His line-out throwing was on-point in difficult conditions. A constant pest at the breakdown.
Tadhg Furlong - 8
Made hard yards whenever he got the ball. Scrummaged well and one of the best tight-heads in the business at present.
Donnacha Ryan - 8
Industrious performance at the coalface and put in the hard work at close quarters. Justified his selection.
Donnacha Ryan and Jack McGrath tackle Guilhem Guirado. Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Devin Toner - 6
Solid at line-out time but was a bit anonymous elsewhere. Will be under pressure from Henderson to start against Wales.
CJ Stander - 8
Up to his usual standard from the off. Can't ask for much more really.
Sean O'Brien - 8
Same as above. Did everything asked of him and won the odd turnover.
Jamie Heaslip - 8
Combined perfectly with his back-row colleagues. Made a crucial tackle on Serin early in the first half and provided another line-out option when needed.
Bench - 8
Played their part to get the team over the line. Case closed.
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