'Johnny's fit, he has passed every test that he needs to pass'

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been declared good to go for Saturday’s second Test against New Zealand. Sexton was taken off with a suspected concussion during the first half of his country’s 42-19 defeat to the All Blacks in the series opener in Auckland.

But Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt has now confirmed the 36-year-old will be available for selection in Dunedin. “Johnny is fine,” Catt said on Tuesday. Johnny’s fit, Johnny has passed every test that he needs to pass, so from our point of view he is good to go.”

Sexton, who turns 37 next week, was not allowed to return to the Eden Park pitch on Saturday after slipping and colliding with New Zealand captain Sam Cane.

Ardie Savea, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea and George Bower react to the first test | All Blacks post-match press conference

Ardie Savea, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea and George Bower react to the first test | All Blacks post-match press conference

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said after the game that Sexton had passed a second head injury assessment and refused to rule him out of the remainder of the tour.

Joey Carbery, who provided fly-half cover last autumn and in the Six Nations, came off the bench to once again deputise for Sexton.

“He [Sexton] is a massive cog in there but Joey came on and did well,” said Catt. “We got back up again and this is what touring is all about, our ability to adapt to what gets thrown at us and I think we have done that pretty well, so let’s hope it continues.”