‘These are the big games you do all the work for’
DUBLIN: Ireland first fiveeighth Jonny Sexton believes Sunday’s home test against New Zealand will be a good gauge of where his side stands under coach Joe Schmidt and the progress it has made ahead of next year’s World Cup in Japan.
Ireland claimed a historic 4029 victory over the world champion side in Chicago in 2016, but two weeks later was beaten 219 in Dublin and is still waiting for a first home victory over the All Blacks in 113 years of trying.
Sexton said the players were determined to create another piece of history as they look to topple the No 1 side in the world.
‘‘You can’t say it’s just another game,’’ he told reporters yesterday. ‘‘These are the big games that you do all the work for and the practice for.
‘‘Over the years we have ticked off little bits of history, winning in Argentina and South Africa, and beating New Zealand for the first time.
‘‘So to beat them in Ireland will be another piece of history that this group can create and it’s something you don’t want to let pass by.’’
This will be just the third time the Irish have played New Zealand in the six seasons Schmidt has been in charge and is the best barometer of their progress, according to Sexton.
‘‘They have all been tough, close games. They don’t come along all that often with the way the seasons are structured now,’’ he said.
‘‘We want to make the most of it and see where we are really. It’s been two years since we played them last and there has been a lot change in our team. Probably eight guys who played that day won’t play in our team this week.
‘‘It’s been a big change from our point of view, but we are looking forward to seeing how far we have come in the last two years and where we are in the world.’’
Ireland has made a winning start to the November international series with a 547 success over Italy in Chicago and a hardfought 2817 victory against Argentina in Dublin. — Reuters
LONDON: Jamie Joseph has laughed off Eddie Jones’ advice that Japan should seek divine intervention for their clash with England.
Former Japan coach Jones has warned the Brave Blossoms that England will be ‘‘absolutely ruthless’’ at Twickenham on Sunday, as they exorcise frustrations from last weekend’s 1615 defeat to New Zealand.
Jones suggested Japan head to the temple to prepare to face his England side but Blossoms boss Joseph shrugged off the warning.
ExAll Blacks lock Joseph admitted Japan would need some help on the weather front in order to launch their fastpaced phase play but insisted he would not be caught in any places of worship this week.
‘‘When we’ve got the ball and guys are really excited about playing, we’ve got a different style of play; we’re not as big as others, but we’re quick,’’ Joseph said.
‘‘In tough conditions it’s tough to get our game going, so we’re hoping and praying for a bit of weather. I’m not sure I’m going to the temple, though!’’
Joseph attended England’s abrasive test against New Zealand, admitting he relished Twickenham’s cut and thrust.
‘‘Our players all watched the England match; I went to the test match, loved it,’’ said Joseph.
‘‘Those types of games are exactly what rugby’s all about in my view.’’
Joseph feels Japan will pose England several different threats from New Zealand this weekend.
‘‘But I suspect the game that we play, how the All Blacks play, and the fact England have had a few matches, it could be a little bit different this weekend.
‘‘We just play our rugby. We like to play quick; we’re not as big as other sides.
‘‘We don’t want rain come kickoff time, and I think we’ve shown over the last couple of years if we can get our game going, we can push teams hard...
‘‘But my focus really is just to go out there and make sure we can do our very best against a very good England side.’’
The former Highlanders coach believes Japan remains on course for its objective of reaching a maiden quarterfinal as host of next year’s World Cup.
‘‘We’re getting a lot of experience and I think we are on track for the World Cup.’’ — BPA
❛ We like to play quick; we’re not as big as other sides
Jamie Joseph