Andy Farrell hails influence of 'world-class' Johnny Sexton

'His performance was excellent but it’s more than that,' Andy Farrell said of Ireland captain Johnny Sexton

Ireland's Johnny Sexton takes a kick during the Six Nations clash with Italy. The captain was flawless off the tee in the facile win. Picture: INPHO/Tommy Dickson

Andy Farrell praised the influence of captain Johnny Sexton on his team’s performance as Ireland returned to winning ways in the 2021 Guinness Six Nations.

Sexton, 35, led his side to a first victory in this year’s championship on his return from a one-match absence due to concussion and in his 97th Ireland Test kicked 18 points in Ireland’s 48-10 bonus-point defeat of Italy at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday in Rome.