Out. Of. Jail.

Ireland snatched victory at the death in Paris this evening, after a 42 metre drop-goal from Johnny Sexton in the last kick of the game at the Stade de France.

The effort came after an incredible 41 phases. Ireland though they had lost it when Teddy Thomas sliced through their defence, but Joe Schmidt’s men dug deep.

Here are you player ratings.

Rob Kearney – 6.5

Defensively good but really struggled in attack at times. A very lively start, but just couldn’t kick on.

Keith Earls – 7.5

Probably didn’t get as much ball in hand as he would have liked, but always looked a threat. His catch from Sexton’s cross-field kick in the build-up to the winning drop-goal was incredible.

Bundee Aki – 6.5

Wonderful in defence and really starting to look like a Test player. But really lacking in attack.

Robbie Henshaw – 7.5

Some incredible tacking, and a phenomenal work-rate. Another excellent shift.

Jacob Stockdale – 5

His defence was once again left wanting.

Johnny Sexton – 10

Doesn’t matter how he played. That bloody kick. Wow.

Conor Murray – 7

Not his best game in green. Well marshalled, and his box-kicks weren’t their usual best.

Cian Healy – 6.5

Solid scrum, but got himself in trouble a few times when carrying.

Rory Best – 6

Average game from the captain. Some good line-out throws, but not as busy at the breakdown as he usually is. Definitely needs to be more vocal with the referee too.

Tadhg Furlong – 7,5

Solid scrum and some good carries. France handled him well, but still made his markk

Iain Henderson – 8

Some key carries. Help keep the game alive with that catch from Sexton’s restart.

James Ryan – 8.5

Looked like he was going to crumble under the pressure after some early mistakes. But came storming back and proved to Schmidt he made the right decision in staring him.

Peter O’Mahony – 7

Some brilliant line-out takes, but not as menacing and busy as we’ve come to expect.

Josh Van Der Flier – 6

Played well until he was forced off with an injury just before half-time.

CJ Stander – 7.5

Excellent work in defence, finishing as Ireland’s top tackler. Some big carries too as per usual.

Replacements:

Dan Leavy – 7 

Did well when he came on with some big tackles.

Sean Cronin – 6

Wasn’t given much of a chance to get into the game,

The rest of the subs didn’t play long enough for a rating.