Ireland 18 France 11, Six Nations 2015 match report: Jonathan Sexton in the wars but influence proves decisive

Jonathan Sexton knew that he was in for a rough ride.

France
promised as much and they were as good as their word, leaving the Ireland
fly-half with a few stitches and a black eye, but even a bloodied and
bruised Sexton proved a class apart.




After being stood down for 12 weeks after suffering four concussions in 2014,
Sexton was the difference in a fairly turgid encounter at the Aviva Stadium,
less so for his five penalties that helped seal a gritty victory that sets
up a potential Six
Nations decider against England on March 1 than for his exceptional
kicking f…