Best eases fears over Sexton back scare

Rory Best is confident Ireland’s rookies can benefit from the experience packed around them when Wales visit the Aviva Stadium today and has eased fears that another youngster will not be thrown in at the deep end after a Johnny Sexton injury scare.

Fly-half Sexton, the drop-goal hero of Paris in the opening game of this season’s NatWest 6 Nations earlier this month, missed the early part of Ireland’s light workout at the Aviva yesterday as he received pitchside treatment on his lower back from team physiotherapist Colm Fuller.

Captain Best said Sexton, 32, completed the session and was the player vital to Ireland’s hopes of victory today was also photographed goal-kicking.