WATCH: Joe Schmidt praises players: ‘They've really had to roll their sleeves up’

Ireland's title destiny is still in their own hands.

Joe Schmidt paid tribute to his Ireland players for rolling their sleeves up and keeping their Six Nations title bid within their control after seeing off France 19-9 on Saturday in the Dublin drizzle, writes Simon Lewis.

A Conor Murray first-half try and two penalties, a conversion and superbly taken long-range drop goal from returning fly-half Johnny Sexton kept the French at bay to end the championship aspirations of Guy Noves's side with a second defeat of the campaign.