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Triple injury blow for Ireland as Sexton, O'Connell and O'Mahony are forced off

Joe Schmidt is without some key leaders for the second-half.

Johnny Sexton leaves the field injured James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

IRELAND HAVE BEEN dealt two huge blows in the first-half of their crucial Pool D clash with France in Cardiff.

Johnny Sexton has limped off with an injury after less than 30 minutes after shipping a big hit from Louis Picamoles.

After receiving some treatment on the field, it became clear that the out-half couldn’t continue and he appeared to wipe away the tears as he made his way to the touchline.

Ian Madigan replaced Sexton and immediately fired over a penalty to put Ireland 9-6 in front.

On the stroke of half-time, things went from bad to worse on the injury front as Paul O’Connell was stretchered off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem, to be replaced by Iain Henderson.

Paul O'Connell down injured Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

In the 55th minute of an extremely physical game, Peter O’Mahony was also stretchered off after falling awkwardly following a tackle by Pascal Pape. Chris Henry replaced the Munster flanker.

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Letter from Cardiff: Ireland in positive place to produce against France

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