Ireland heroes’ Wales of a time
IRELAND 24 WALES 14
JOHNNY SEXTON hailed Ireland’s best performance since their All Blacks win in 2018 – and set his sights on storming Twickenham in a fortnight’s time.
Sexton’s side seen off Grand Slam champs Wales at the Aviva Stadium to keep Ireland’s own Triple
Crown and Grand Slam hopes alive. The 34-year-old Dubliner (inset) admitted it was the most enjoyable Test display he’s been a part of in almost 18 months. “Yes, it wouldn’t be hard after last year,” he said, referencing the disappointment of the
2019 Six Nations and the World Cup.
“It was brilliant. It had a bit of everything. It had some of the stuff we didn’t get to show against Scotland.
“When you get the ball in our back three’s hands, something can happen.
“They showed that. They stuck to the tactics. Some of our shape stuff we’ve been working on was great.
“And we won, that’s the most important thing. We’re building momentum now – but obviously our biggest challenge is in a couple of weeks time.”
England’s Six Nations demolition in Dublin last year preceded a Twickenham tanking by the hosts in the World Cup warm-ups. “Wales are World Cup semifinalists and Grand Slam champions for a reason,” said Sexton. “They’re a top quality team and they’re hard to play against.
“So yeah, we’re going to have to be up there like we were today – but it’s away from home against World Cup finalists and they’ll be hurting from last week (loss to France).
“But they’re a top quality side and the last two times we’ve played England they’ve given us a right old
spanking.
“So we need to up our game from those levels of performances. Yeah, it’s a tough place to go, Twickenham – we haven’t had too many victories over the years and it’ll be no different now coming into this game.”
New Ireland boss Andy Farrell was satisfied with the deserved bonus point triumph and expects Robbie Henshaw, who impressed before having to stay off after a HIA, to be fit to face England.
Obviously he’ll be coming up against his own son, England’s captain Owen Farrell, in an eagerly-awaited encounter.
“We’re in a great place.” said 44-year-old boss Farrell.
“We said it wasn’t the brilliant performance we were all looking for last week, but we had a great week’s preparation and good, honest feedback from the boys and we saw an improved performance.
“But we know there’s still plenty more in us.”
Farrell also hailed the influence that Sexton has had on the Ireland squad since he has been made captain.
“He’s in control, isn’t he? That’s what he’s done all his life and that’s what he does best. With the added responsibilities of captaincy, I think he’s added to his game, actually.
“He’ll tell you himself whether he’s thriving or not but having seen his last two performances, with last week being the one that he’s not played for eight weeks, he’s been nothing short of sensational really.”
When you get the ball in our back three’s hands, something can happen. It was brilliant