IRELAND HAVE BEEN dealt two huge blows in the first-half of their crucial Pool D clash with France in Cardiff.
Johnny Sexton has limped off with an injury after less than 30 minutes after shipping a big hit from Louis Picamoles.
After receiving some treatment on the field, it became clear that the out-half couldn’t continue and he appeared to wipe away the tears as he made his way to the touchline.
Ian Madigan replaced Sexton and immediately fired over a penalty to put Ireland 9-6 in front.
On the stroke of half-time, things went from bad to worse on the injury front as Paul O’Connell was stretchered off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem, to be replaced by Iain Henderson.
In the 55th minute of an extremely physical game, Peter O’Mahony was also stretchered off after falling awkwardly following a tackle by Pascal Pape. Chris Henry replaced the Munster flanker.