I will miss Ireland

Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt paid an emotional farewell to Dublin Arriva Stadium, saying he would ‘‘miss’’ it after ‘‘six incredible years’’ as Ireland’s head coach.

Schmidt watched Ireland comprehensively beat France 26-14 yesterday to give them a shot at retaining their Six Nations title.

The New Zealander is stepping down after the Rugby World Cup tournament in Japan, having guided Ireland to three Six Nations crowns, including the 2018 Grand Slam, since 2013.

‘‘It’s been six incredible years for me. I’ll miss it,’’ Schmidt said.

Ireland disappointed in their last appearance in Dublin, a first round loss to England.

But they crushed France with three first-half tries for a 19-0 lead, which brought a smile to Schmidt’s face.

‘‘I think it’s taken a while but there was a bit of our rhythm back today,’’ he said. ‘‘I don’t think I have ever seen, in the last six years, a team control 40 minutes like we did in the first half

‘‘The French got knocked back early and it was hard for them to then get back on the front foot.

‘‘Part of the hardship was that we kept that pressure on, and to keep that on for the full 40 minutes really spoke volumes about the intensity and energy that we brought to our game.’’

Schmidt rang the changes in the second half – making six substitutions in the 57th minute as he sought to rest key players, including try-scorers Rory Best and Jonathan Sexton, for next weekend’s title decider against Warren Gatland’s Wales in Cardiff.

Ever the perfectionist, Schmidt was disappointed when France rallied to score tries to wing Yoann Huget and replacement hooker Camille Chat in the final few minutes.

‘‘We wanted to force our way through and get four tries,’’ Schmidt said.

‘‘And when we did, it felt like we buttoned off a little bit. I thought when the replacements came on, initially they did a really good job for us but the last 10 minutes we let a few things slip.

‘‘When you miss chances and still get four scores against a French side, you have to be pretty happy.’’

Ireland can win the Six Nations if they beat Wales and England lose at Twickenham to Scotland.

‘‘After what happened that first weekend, to still be in the title race . . . it says a lot about this team,’’ Schmidt said.

‘‘We’ve never used this many players in a championship before. We’ve never had to make so many early changes in a match or changes just before a match kick off. From that perspective, it shows that we are building.’’

Best – who has indicated he is likely to retire after the World Cup – was also delighted with Ireland’s revival.