Bernard Le Roux believes France was ultimately hampered by Jonathan Sexton's withdrawal through injury during Ireland's 24-9 Rugby World Cup victory on Monday (AEDT).

Sexton was one of three Ireland players forced off as Joe Schimdt's men triumphed at the Millennium Stadium to earn top spot in Pool D and ensure France will face defending champion New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

Paul O'Connell and Peter O'Mahony each left the field on a stretcher after Sexton had limped off in the first half, with the former's international career seemingly over due to the seriousness of his hamstring injury.

Reflecting on the impact of Sexton and O'Connell exiting proceedings prematurely, France back row Le Roux said: "For them to lose leaders we hoped it would have an influence on the team and that we'd go better in the second half.

"But they just started running everything and it would probably have suited us better if Jonny had stayed on the field as we planned for the kicking game, but then they played absolutely different."

France will return to Cardiff next weekend for a repeat of its 2007 quarter-final against New Zealand.

Asked if the current team could take inspiration from the 20-18 victory secured by Bernard Laporte's side eight years ago, Le Roux replied: "We hope so.

"We would like to not lose a game in the World Cup but now we are playing the All Blacks, the best team in the world, and we are up for the challenge."

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre added: "We must congratulate the Irish. They deserved their victory. We will analyse the defeat and prepare to play a great game on Saturday night in Cardiff.

"The only thing that is disturbing is that we made too many mistakes in the last 20 minutes, in attack and defence.

"We are still in the race and we are not eliminated. We will have to mobilise and prepare for a big meeting against the All Blacks."