Ireland beat France 24-9 in World Cup crunch match

AFP: Rob Kearney scored a crucial try to inspire Ireland to a 24-9 win over France in the World Cup Pool D decider that condemned the French to a quarter final against champions New Zealand.

Ireland won despite losing Jonny Sexton, captain Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony to serious injuries during the unforgiving encounter at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

As Pool D winners, Ireland, unbeaten in four games, play Argentina in the last eight next weekend.

France's fly half Frederic Michalak (R) attempts to stop Ireland's full-back Rob Kearney during a Pool D match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, south Wales, on October 11, 2015 - AFP