DUBLIN – Jonathan Sexton returned from injury to guide Ireland to a 19-9 victory over France in a Six Nations international at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
The flyhalf kicked 11 points in what was his first match since he suffered a calf strain playing for Irish province Leinster against French club Castres five weeks ago.
Ireland’s other scores came via scrumhalf Conor Murray’s first-half try and a Paddy Jackson penalty, with France No 10 Camille Lopez kicking all of the visitors’ points with three penalties.
Ireland’s second win from three matches kept them in the Six Nations title hunt with France, beaten first-up by reigning champions England, effectively out of contention.