Sexton staying cool and focused as Ireland look to make history

Nobody that has followed the ascent of Johnny Sexton, from rookie to one of the premier out-halves in world rugby, will have been surprised to learn that he isn’t running away from Ireland’s dreadful record in France.

Having won just twice in more than 60 years there provides some much-needed context to the challenge facing Joe Schmidt’s side, in light of the over-giddy expectation that Brian O’Driscoll’s international career will end in a Parisian success and a rare Championship.

O’Driscoll famously scored three tries the last time Ireland were victorious in France, in 2000, but Sexton being Sexton, he wasn’t even sure about the year. His focus is elsewhere.