WATCH: Leader Paul O’Connell’s exit leaves massive hole, admits Joe Schmidt

Joe Schmidt last night promised Ireland would forge ahead without Paul O’Connell, but not before admitting his captain’s leadership would leave a massive hole as they prepare for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final with Argentina.

They had known it was coming but when the moment arrived to unequivocally declare O’Connell’s World Cup and Ireland career over, it did not lessen the blow for the squad and head coach he will leave behind.

Finally declared out at 108 caps, the former Munster, Ireland and Lions captain will undergo surgery at the end of this week to repair the severe hamstring tear he suffered during his country’s 24-9 victory over France last Sunday at the Millennium Stadium.