Sexton in the wars as Ireland win
IRELAND 19 FRANCE 9
JOHNNY SEXTON shrugged off France’s latest bully-boy tactics to pilot Ireland’s stubborn 19-9 RBS 6 Nations victory in Dublin.
Sexton copped a heavy, late hit from former Racing 92 team-mate Eddy Ben Arous but shook off any damage to end the day with an 11-point haul in Ireland’s fine triumph.
Conor Murray sneaked home for the game’s sole try to keep Ireland’s Six Nations title hopes alive, with Paddy Jackson also posting a late penalty.
Sexton has been knocked unconscious, suffered a nasty black eye and been put on his backside from countless late hits in a string of gritty clashes with France in the last four years.
His old Racing team-mate Ben Arous had even vowed to “go after” Sexton “200 per cent” at the World Cup in 2015, only for Ireland to prevail 24-9.
British and Irish Lions star Sexton suffered two questionable late tackles in this latest skirmish with Les Bleus but emerged unscathed and victorious in his first match in a month after calf trouble.
The 31-year-old was replaced by Jackson in the final quarter, but, for once against the French, his withdrawal was not enforced.
Sexton’s immediate return to form after a niggling calf injury will leave Lions boss Warren Gatland hoping Ireland’s linchpin can reignite his top form ahead of the summer’s tour to New Zealand.
Ireland’s sole concern from another bruising encounter remained a potential groin injury to full-back Rob Kearney.
Meanwhile, Murray felt it was vital for Ireland to beat France in order to remain in contention for the RBS 6 Nations title.
Murray said: “With the way the weather was, it was always going to be difficult and I think we stuck in the fight.
“To beat France 19-9 at home is great and to have missed a few opportunities is a little bit frustrating.
“A win on the cards and we’re still in the hunt for this championship.
“A win and nothing else would do this week and we’ve managed to do that. And we’ve a week off to rest up and look at Wales, so we’re still in the fight.”