Schmidt backs Sexton to cope with physical French challenge

Schmidt said Sexton is 'highly motivated' for Saturday's game.

Joe Schmidt has every confidence in Jonathan Sexton's ability to withstand any French onslaught when the sides meet at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, writes Brendan O'Brien of the Irish Examiner.

Sexton has, as expected, been drafted in to the Ireland XV for the heavyweight Six Nations encounter after missing the first two games due to a miserable run of thigh and calf injuries stretching back to the November internationals.