Easterby: 'He's the talisman in the squad and the more minutes he can play the better'

Johnny Sexton got his fourth Rugby World Cup underway in impressive style as he captained Ireland to an 82-8 victory over Pool B underdogs Romania at Stade de Bordeaux.

Jonathan Sexton, right, and Tadhg Beirne of Ireland after the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Ireland will give Johnny Sexton every possible chance to play as many minutes as he can as he leads his country’s World Cup campaign in France in his last matches before retirement.

Sexton, 38, got his fourth Rugby World Cup underway in impressive style as he captained Ireland to an 82-8 victory over Pool B underdogs Romania at Stade de Bordeaux, his first game in six months following injury and suspension.