O’Driscoll is grateful for fitting finale

The 35-year-old admitted he would be loath to take off an Ireland jersey for the final time after the breathless 22-20 win over France in Paris.

The Leinster stalwart said he could not quite believe the time had come when he would never represent his country again.

O’Driscoll accepted tears will be a certainty as he reflected on just his second win in Paris, 14 years after a stunning hat-trick announced his arrival on the world stage.

“I played on for one more year hopeful to get a victory against the All Blacks – that didn’t happen – and to win a Six Nations, and that did happen,” said O’Driscoll, who will retire in the summer with a second Six Nations title to add to the 2009 grand slam.

“You can’t have it all, but you take the bits that you get.

“Not many people get to finish their career on their own terms – certainly not with high emotions like today. I’m extremely lucky and thankful to have been a part of a great, great team. It’s been a fantastic Six Nations for us. I’ve enjoyed every second.

“I don’t really want to take this jersey off yet, because I know when I do it’s the last time.”

Johnny Sexton had a mixed evening. He scored two tries, missed five points with the boot and was knocked out cold trying to tackle Mathieu Bastareaud.

Andrew Trimble also crossed for Ireland, as Schmidt’s men fended off a late French rally to edge home and win the Six Nations on points difference from England.