Heaslip Reveals What Was Said In Dressing Room After O’Connell & Sexton Injuries

At half-time in Ireland’s crunch Pool D encounter with France, they led 9-6 and had just lost their captain and star out-half.

Ireland had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges but would be trying to turn over the French at a World Cup for the first time without arguably their two biggest stars.

Jamie Heaslip took over as captain and revealed what was said at the interval.

He said, “At half-time, it was quite a calm changing room.

“Everyone just switched into their roles and problem-solved. We adapted what we had and came up with solutions – who was fitting in where and how we were going to proceed.

“There was a lot of work and Joe has already touched on the work that Ian Madigan got through. All the guys – Iain Henderson, Chris Henry and all the subs – came on and got through a massive amount of work.

“That’s what we always say – fit in first, then add value to the game. That’s exactly what they did. We were focused and that’s exactly what you have to be against France because they are that type of side who will punish you if you’re not.”

Ireland went on to gain a famous victory and will face Argentina in the quarter finals.