DUBLIN (Reuters) - If Ireland finally manage to fulfil their World Cup potential this year, the likelihood is that Jonathan Sexton will have enjoyed an injury-free tournament.
Ireland have an undeniably talented starting XV, from inspirational captain Paul O'Connell to the gifted Robbie Henshaw in midfield and an outstanding back row. The loss of any one of those would be a blow, but none would be as sorely missed as Sexton, a three-time European Cup winner, twice Six Nations champion, outgoing British and Irish Lions No.10 and arguably the best flyhalf in the world.