Six Nations 2022: Johnny Sexton says France v Ireland in 2020 taught him a lot

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says the 2020 Six Nations defeat by France in Paris and his reaction to being replaced taught him many lessons.

Sexton, 36, has been skipper for two years and will lead Ireland in their opening game of this year's tournament against Wales in Dublin on Saturday.

He reacted to being taken off during the 35-27 loss in 2020 by shaking his head and looking at the coaches' box.

«I learned a lot of lessons that week; before, after, during,» said Sexton.

«That one immediately stands out in terms of learnings I suppose.

»We didn't get our prep right and that's a huge responsibility that is down to the captain. We didn't get our performance right on the day which probably stems from some of the prep and then obviously the stuff that was written about and the reaction.

«When you come off, like I explained at the time as much of it was about disappointment in myself that I didn't play as I wanted to or the team didn't play as I wanted us to.

»You just can't let your guard down for a split second or a small mistake like that can be magnified into something huge.

«But again, it makes you stronger and more prepared to try and bounce back and prove people wrong.»

Apart from that week in Paris, Sexton says his experience of captaining the side «has been by and large a pretty positive experience».

«I've loved every second of it. It was a huge honour to be asked to do it and every time the call comes in before a campaign you're picking up the phone going, 'is it going to be good news or bad news?'» he said.

«I've managed to keep it and am very proud to have done it for as long as I have.

»I want to keep doing it for as long as I can prove to be the man to do it.

«I've learned to try not to let it pressure me. It's an