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Ireland beat France to avoid a quarter-final encounter with New Zealand, but suffered injuries to Johnny Sexton, Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony.

Sexton suffered a suspected groin injury, before O’Connell was carried off at the end of the first half.

Leading 9-6 at half-time, Rob Kearney’s try increased Ireland’s lead before O’Mahony had to be taken off.

Conor Murray added a further late try as the gutsy Irish set up a quarter-final with Argentina next Sunday.

Topping Pool D means Joe Schmidt’s side avoid a last-eight encounter with the holders but the injuries to three such influential members of the Irish team will be a massive concern for the rest of the campaign.

With O’Connell retiring from international duty after this tournament, there will be fears that his Ireland career could be over after 108 caps.

The French, blunt as an attacking force for the most part, must regroup to face the All Blacks in their quarter-final at the Millennium Stadium next Saturday evening. — BBC Sport