There is much more to this win than meets the eye.
Ireland’s bruising 19-9 win over France at the Aviva Stadium has kept Ireland’s dream of securing a third Six Nations championship in four years well and truly alive.
There are many positives to take out of this game, none so more than Johnny Sexton’s and Conor Murray’s performances.
Arguably the greatest half-back pairing in the world, the duo reacquainted themselves with one another, as their tactical kicking, uncompromising defence and all-round leadership guided Ireland to a vital victory.
Two absolute bloody heroeshttps://t.co/pnAM4kbKHp
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 25, 2017
With this win, Ireland can now look forward to facing Wales in the Principality Stadium in under two weeks time, a side who will be determined to get a win after suffering a disappointing 29-13 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.
However, there is also another reason to be happy about Ireland’s win today.
Going into this game, Ireland were ranked fourth in the world, according to the latest rankings from World Rugby.
Joe Schmidt’s side were under huge pressure from Wales in particular, with regards to holding on to that position.
The relevance of all this, is that, if Ireland remain in the top four of the world rankings, they will be among the top seeds for the World Cup draw which is set to be made in May.
In the 2015 World Cup, Ireland were second seeds, with France being the first seed in Ireland’s group.
With Wales’ loss today and Scotland likely to lose against England in two weeks time, Ireland look set to remain in this coveted position as you can see below.
World rankings after today's #RBS6Nations. pic.twitter.com/eIgaWcZWqx
— The Loose Head (@TheLooseH) February 25, 2017
And this would be a huge boost for Ireland as they look to build for what is likely to be a memorable World Cup in Japan in two years time.
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