Ireland vs France: 3 who impressed

3 Who Impressed from Ireland vs France

Sean O’Brien

Before the Pool D decider kicked off there were many who wondered if O’Brien would rediscover his form in time to carry Ireland to victory over a physical French side. Any doubts that he would were firmly quashed form the get go, as the Tullow Tank was back to his rampaging best. From the outset it was clear that O’Brien would take it upon himself to make inroads into the French defensive line, and he carried with gusto for the entire match. Add to this some hugely effective work in defence, forcing two turnovers, this was a vintage performance from the physical flanker. A clash with Maestri in the first half may see him cited, and Irish fans will face a nervy wait to see if he will be available for the quarter final clash against Argentina next weekend.

Iain Henderson

While he may have only featured for 40 minutes, Iain Henderson put in one of his best performances in an Irish shirt, in a young career of many great outings. Coming on for the injured O’Connell, the young Ulsterman was tasked with leading the Irish pack, and he did so with some telling carries. In defence the flanker turned lock was even more noticeable, making a number of big hits to rally the Irish support right when it was needed. With O’Connell likely to miss the rest of the tournament, Henderson may find himself leading the Irish pack into next weekends quarter final.

Louis Picamoles

In what was a tough day for the French pack in the face of the relentless Irish, Louis Picamoles remained a shining light for his side. Ever present in defence, the Toulouse man refused to buckle in the face of mounting Irish pressure. He will be required to put in another performance of similar ilk next weekend, as France return to Cardiff for a mouth-watering clash against old foes New Zealand.