'It's nothing new for me' - Sexton not bothered by French scrutiny

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says the annual scrutiny of him in the French media is no longer a surprise.

It comes after Montpellier head coach Phillipe Saint Andre suggested Ireland could be even better without their 36-year-old out-half.

When asked by newspaper Midi Olympique whether Ireland still depend on Sexton, the former France boss replied: "Less and less, I find.

"In fact, to be honest, they are maybe better without him.

"I like Ross Byrne, he is capable of exceptional things. Yes, Sexton is an icon, he remains the starter, but Byrne has played more than him this season at Leinster. They have a new generation who are showing up well, who are interesting."

It's the second year in a row that Sexton has found himself under the spotlight in the week of an Ireland-France meeting.

Twelve months ago the captain was deeply unhappy with comments made by a neurosurgeon he saw while playing for Racing 92, who spoke in detail about the player's history of concussion.

And while Saint Andre's comments this week are far less serious, the Irish captain says he's become well used to being the centre of attention when Ireland face Les Bleus.

"Whether it's home or away, there's always something from one direction or another, whether it's inside the camp or outside the camp," Sexton said this afternoon.

"The one you're referring (Saint Andre's comments) to is obviously outside the camp. You can't control what people say, you have to do your talking on the pitch.

"It's nothing new for me in this fixture to have some things thrown at me that you wouldn't expect."

After extending their winning run to nine games against Wales in Round 1, Andy Farrell's side will mark a full year unbeaten when they face France in Paris, with Les Bleus the last