Johnny Sexton insists substitution reaction was down to Ireland’s display

Johnny Sexton has insisted his angry demeanour at being substituted late into Ireland’s 35-27 Guinness Six Nations defeat in France was purely down to frustrations at his side’s performance. Ireland captain Sexton cut an annoyed figure at being replaced by Ross Byrne in the final quarter of his side’s galling defeat at the Stade de France, shaking his head repeatedly in a prolonged trudge from the turf. Ireland pitched up in France hunting a fourth Six Nations title in seven years, but were bested by a half-back masterclass from Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack.