French media laud ‘Irish general’ Johnny Sexton

Not so much joie de vivre in the French media today

Players, supporters and reporters from France have given their reaction to Ireland's 18-11 victory over Les Bleus at the Aviva Stadium. Here is just a tidbit of the French reaction:

Rugbyrama

'Sexton, the former (and future) Leinster out-half, controlled the match as he saw fit... his defence stood up to repeated assaults by Mathieu Bastareaud.' Reporter Ivan Petros had kind words for Paul O'Connell, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip, Devin Toner and "class" Rob Kearney. If Ireland beat England next time out, he declared, they will be in pole position to retain their Six Nations title and chase a Grand Slam.

L'Equipe

France's stuttering form is 'getting boring' according to the paper's front page. Inside, Sexton - 'the Irish general' - earns praise for his attacking and defensive contributions.

La Dépeche

France forward Benjamin Kayser was incredulous when asked if his team's performance was encouraging. He remarked , 'We're sick of these constructive defeats.' The paper held no punches in its ratings. France out-half Camille Lopez scored 1/5 while Scott Spedding and Pascal Papé both got '0'.

Philippe Saint-André [France coach]

'Ireland are a good team. I don't think we are as bad as people think.' (On Pascal Papé's knee to Jamie Heaslip's back) - 'Pascal is a fighter and a professional... He did not do it on purpose.'

Uini Antonio [France prop]

'If we’d played another 10 minutes we would have won – but hats off to Ireland because they played a great game. We saw the way they've played, they've moved up the IRB rankings and they are a world-class team.'