Donal Lenihan: Ireland can show a glimpse of the future in Rome

With the captaincy handed to second row James Ryan in the absence of Sexton and Peter O'Mahony, we’re offered a glimpse of what Farrell’s Ireland might look like post World Cup

ROMAN EMPIRE: Ireland coaching team, from left, assistant coach Mike Catt, national scrum coach John Fogarty, forwards coach Paul O'Connell, defence coach Simon Easterby and head coach Andy Farrell during the captain's run at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Italy v Ireland 

Unless we see a U-turn of Tom Brady proportions, at best, Johnny Sexton has just two Six Nations tournament games left in a glittering career, packed with memorable moments.