Sexton lined up to return despite Jackson’s display

damaging a hamstring and so is unlikely to feature for the remainder of the November series. A good display off the bench from Sean O’Brien mitigates Henry’s absence, with Kevin McLaughlin a contender to come on to the bench. A fine performance from out half Paddy Jackson included six successful kicks from eight attempts, and Schmidt intimated that it cannot be automatically assumed that Johnny Sexton (right) will go straight into the starting team against Australia. It seems inconceivable that the Racing Metro player will not take his customary slot in the No 10 shirt. ‘We would have to strongly consider Johnny coming back in,’ said the head coach. ‘He does bring that experience and that quality we know. He wasn’t the starting Lions out half for no reason. ‘But you know I would have to take my hat off to Paddy Jackson. I think he has had to do it pretty tough at times, being thrown in as a very young man and you know having to direct some very impressive men around the park.’ Dave Kearney marked his debut with two tries but the enduring memories were provided by another man making his debut — loosehead Jack McGrath. ‘It’s a bit like Paddy, Ian Madigan and Johnny Sexton,’ said Schmidt, ‘I think when you have Dave Kilcoyne and Tom Court, and even young James Cronin, you’ve got guys pushing and that means Jack got his opportunity. ‘And when you get one, you’ve really got to step up and fair play to Jack, that is exactly what he did.’