Sexton drops a Lions
JOHNNY SEXTON is back in Lions contention after inspiring Ireland to victory over France on his comeback from injury. The fly-half was back to his best to keep Ireland’s Six Nations title hopes alive, scoring 11 points — including a lovely drop goal.
Conor Murray scored the only try of the match, diving over from close range in the first half.
France had led through two Camille Lopez penalties but their constant errors and infringements let Ireland back into the match. Sexton needed no encouragement and dictated proceedings expertly.
The win means Ireland now travel to Cardiff on March 10 still in the hunt and a win there should set up a title showdown with England.
France’s second
defeat consigns their hopes to the bin once more. They did not have the quality to see it through despite a strong showing from Baptiste Serin.
The scrum-half made sure France began the match on the front foot. He was slippery and speedy and stole past Jamie Heaslip to set up France’s first points. From the base of the ruck he danced past the No 8, who had to race back to make the cover tackle. Ireland went off their feet from that breakdown and Lopez hit the penalty.
They had a let-off when Remi Lamerat was denied a try after Gael Fickou knockedon in the build-up. Lopez’s next penalty had Les Bleus 6-0 up but Sexton and Murray sparked the Irish into life.
Sexton’s fine break and chip to the corner that was just about touched down in goal by Noa Nakaitaci brought Ireland attacking position and from the scrum they scored. Robbie Henshaw hurled himself into the blue defensive line and as soon as the ball hit the deck Murray had it and sniped to score.
Sexton extended the lead soon after the interval. Serin pulled back Murray as he tried to close down a clearance kick, the penalty was given and Sexton obliged.
The Leinster playmaker’s next act was to hit Ireland’s first Six Nations dropgoal since 2011, a sublime strike from 40 metres.
Sexton struck another penalty and despite being targeted with a succession of late hits, he picked himself up each time.
He was eventually replaced by Paddy Jackson after 69 minutes and the substitute hit the final penalty, after another one from Lopez, to seal the win.