Jonathan Sexton On Ireland’s Bonus Point Win Over Italy

Ireland returned to Guinness Six Nations action in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon as they scored seven tries to defeat Italy 50-17 at the Aviva Stadium.

Andy Farrell’s side secured a bonus point victory to move them to the top of the table – a single point clear of England and France – heading to Paris for next weekend’s final round clash with the French.

Debutants Hugo Keenan, who scored two first-half tries, and Guinness player-of-the-match Will Connors were outstanding for Ireland, while CJ Stander, Jonathan Sexton, Bundee Aki and Dave Heffernan also crossed the whitewash.

Sexton reserved special praise for the four new caps – Ed Byrne and Jamison Gibson-Park made big impacts off the bench – in his post-match press conference.