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Carbery in awe of 'perfectionist' Sexton after that kick
The clock is ticking down and Johnny Sexton is struggling with cramp, Joey Carbery is told to prepare to go on.
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But Sexton battles through the pain and unleashes a 40-metre drop goal to steal a dramatic 15-13 win over France at the Stade de France.
Carbery looked on in awe, “You know Johnny can always pull a bit of magic out of the hat. It’s huge because in the back of your mind always is that bit of pressure. One mistake and it could be over.”
“Greasy ball, bit of wind as well, it was an incredible kick. It was great to see the whole reaction after it, everybody jumping on him. It shows the character in the team. It’s exciting.”
For Carbery it’s a case of watch, learn and improve, with Sexton having a firm hold of the number 10 jersey.
“If you’re competing with the best you’ll have to be better yourself. I’m looking at it that way rather than: ‘not being played’. He’s making me better and I know me being better will make him better as well.”
“Watching the last five minutes (against France), if I can take half of what he did there and put it into my game then I’ll be improved.”
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It seems that Sexton is operating in a mentor role and readily available to guide the 22-year-old.
“He just wants perfection, and that makes everybody play better. He does give me advice, especially when it comes down to kicking. He’s a great person to have. I know I can always go to him if I have a question and he’ll give me an honest answer.”
The New Zealand born playmaker has predominantly played at full back for his club Leinster this season, but Joe Schmidt clearly sees him as the first choice back-up to Sexton.
Carbery got some game time during the Autumn, starting against Fiji, in a match where he injured his wrist, which meant a long absence.
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He returned in time to make an appearance from the bench for Leinster in their Champions Cup game with Montpellier – it was enough for Joe Schmidt to select him in his Six Nations squad and subsequently in the 23 for France.
With Italy up next, it could be a chance for Ireland to test a few of their up-and-coming stars and Carbery insists he’ll be ready if given the nod.
“Game time you can’t really recreate but our training is as close as you can get to it. If Joe (Schmidt) picks me you’ve got to trust his faith. He’s the man who knows. I feel like I’d be ready.”
Gym Session. The Ireland squad werre in the gym this morning for as prep continues ahead of the #NatWest6Nations clash with Italy on Saturday. #TeamOfUs #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/rjGoay5Brn
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 6, 2018
Ireland have won 17 of their 18 matches against Italy in the 6 Nations, their sole defeat was in 2013 – now would be as good a chance as any to blood a few players in a championship environment. They’re big boots to fill for Carbery, but one’s he’s happy to step in.
Comments on RugbyPass
Pretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
3 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
3 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
3 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to commentsWill rugbypass tv be showing these games?
1 Go to commentsWell where do you start, the fact that England have a professional domestic league and Ireland’s is fully amatuer, that they have fully seperated professional squads at Fifteens and Sevens (7’s thinly disguised as GB), and Ireland have fully pro Sevens squad who loan some players back to the Semi-Professional Fifteens squad (moved from amateur for only a year or so) for a few games at 6N & RWC’s. The Women’s games is a shambles, and is at risk of killing itself by pushing for professionalism when the market isn’t really there to support it outside one or two countnries..
6 Go to commentsWayne Smith's input didn't have as much impact on the last final as Davison's red card for Thompson. England were 14 points up and flying when that happened.
6 Go to comments