Grand Slam culmination of eight-year dream

– Johnny Sexton (right) waited eight long years to finally secure his first Triple Crown and in the process the Six Nations Grand Slam – now he wants glory at next year’s World Cup to erase the disappointment of the 2015 tournament.

The 32-year-old Irish flyhalf’s magnificent stoppage-time drop goal at the end of 41 phases of play snatched victory from the French in their opening game of this season’s Six Nations.

That instilled the belief in the team that saw them go on to achieve only their third Slam with a win over England on Saturday.

Dublin

Now Sexton is hoping these same qualities can see Ireland lift the World Cup for the first time in Japan in 2019 and banish the shattering disappointment of an injury-hit side’s quarterfinal loss to Argentina in 2015.

It would also provide a fairytale ending in what is likely to be coach Joe Schmidt’s final campaign of his highly successful tenure.

“He (Schmidt) is an incredible coach, his record with Irish teams speaks for itself,” Sexton told journalists.

“He was three years with Leinster and got to six finals (including winning back-to-back European Cups).

“Five years with Ireland and we have won three championships and a Grand Slam.”

Sexton said winning the Triple Crown and Slam was a “high point” in his career even though it was also a “very strange feeling”.

He believes their success wouldn’t have been possible without Schmidt’s mastery of the smallest detail.

“He keeps you on your toes,” said Sexton. “He, eh, how do I put this nicely?

“At times during the week you are driven demented with him but you know he is doing it for a reason – putting pressure on you in training, at meetings to make sure every box is ticked, make sure all the prep is done.”

However, Sexton – whose partnership with scrumhalf Conor Murray pulled the strings that allowed the likes of try-scoring machine Jacob Stockdale to set a new Six Nations record of seven tries – said winning a Grand Slam makes such intensity worthwhile.

“Celebrating with the lads, they are the moments you treasure,” said Sexton.

“The moments that make the bad times worthwhile and all the sacrifices worthwhile.” –