Sexton wary about trip to Paris

Johnny Sexton says Ireland will be taking a step in the dark when they visit the City of Lights this weekend.

Joe Schmidt’s men kick-start their Six Nations campaign with an away trip to France, where Jacques Brunel is in charge for the first time.

The former Italy coach replaced Toulouse legend Guy Noves who was sacked last month after Les Bleus failed to win any of their November internationals, a run that included defeat to the South African side hammered by Ireland and a home draw with Japan.