SCHMIDT SO IMPRESSED AS IRELAND BUILD SOME MILLENNIUM MOMENTUM

admiration for, the players really had to really had to roll their sleeves up and we did a pretty good job.

“I was really impressed with the way they knocked back into the game, for the try that gave us the confidence to continue to build.”

Conor Murray, who was also outstanding, paid tribute to his half-back partner Sexton.

“Johnny slotted in really well,” said Murray.

“70-odd minutes will put him in good stead for the next few weeks – and it’s going to be really, really tough in Wales (on Friday week).

“But a win against the French is always going to be good.”

The victory, coming after the opening defeat to Scotland and the nine-try win in Rome, puts Ireland right back in the race for the championship title.

Murray admitted it was right where they wanted to be after this Test.

“That was the goal at the start of the week,” acknowledged the world-class No.9.

“We wanted a win and managed to do that.

“We have a week off now and we’re still in the hunt.”

Schmidt said that the only injury concern is over Rob Kearney, who was withdrawn with a groin problem that will be monitored over the next 48 hours.

The head coach said he is expecting a fierce contest from the Welsh, who are effectively out of contention after losing to Scotland yesterday.

“For a lot of the game it looked like they had control of it and they will be disappointed and determined without a doubt,” said Schmidt.

“You don’t go to the Millennium Stadium and have it easy and we’re certainly not thinking about the final day situation yet.”