His performance was always going to be under the spotlight.
Ireland are currently 7-6 up at half time in what has been an error strewn first half from Joe Schmidt’s side.
It is clear that the French are up for this and Ireland have struggled at times to live with the tempo of their play.
One of the major underlying narratives going into this match has been what kind of performance we could expect from Jonathan Sexton.
Ever since it was revealed the 31-year-old was in contention for a start, his potential performance after such a long injury-layoff has been debated to length over the last week.
His display so far in this game has definitely been a mixed bag.
He has certainly mixed the good with the bad with regards to his play and this couldn’t be represented better with Irish fans’ opinions on Twitter.
The ‘Sexton Loop’ was good.
Sexton is such a game maker, smart awareness #6nations #IREvFRA
— Surrey Pigeon, somewhere around the outfield (@SurreyPigeon) February 25, 2017
Sexton lions 10 nailed on #irishclass
— adrienne chick (@adz_chick) February 25, 2017
Brilliant move that by Ireland, Sexton on the loop line, using the dummy runners to hold the French midfield. Good. #IREvFRA #SixNations
— Will Kelleher (@willgkelleher) February 25, 2017
There have been plenty of mistakes from Ireland, but Jonathan Sexton is bursting with intent. Lovely to watch.
— Tony Hodson (@tonyhodson1) February 25, 2017
Some weren’t too happy with his decision making at times.
https://twitter.com/bubbleseverywer/status/835537693811568640
Sexton kicks straight out, in-form PJ on bench. Earls, an idiotic attempt at turn-over, three-try Gilroy not even on bench. #IREvFRA
— Steve Blair (@UniversalExile) February 25, 2017
Sexton and Kearney are not good rugby players and never were… period! #IREvFRA
— Ronan McElligott (@ronanmc2001) February 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/JackHarpur10/status/835535596349231104
https://twitter.com/ReynholmITdpt/status/835535530670567426
https://twitter.com/IrishRED05/status/835535287623233541
And some were just worried for his welfare.
Very nervous every time Sexton gets on the ball incase he gets rattled, hope he lasts the game. Good start #IREvFRA
— Stevn McNicholas (@stePHenmc11) February 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/PumpItLowda/status/835533263489884163
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