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Sexton: European champions Leinster did it the hard way

By Russell Greaves

Johnny Sexton conceded “we did it the hard way” after Leinster left it late to beat Racing 92 and secure a record-equalling fourth European Champions Cup title.

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The Pro14 side edged to a 15-12 victory in Bilbao, with a lively San Mames crowd treated to an absorbing match.

Despite the absence of any tries, there was no lack of drama and, after Sexton had himself kicked three penalties, Isa Nacewa added two late on as Leinster took the lead for the first time with a couple of minutes to spare.

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A relieved and delighted Sexton, who has been with the club for all of their triumphs in Europe’s premier competition, told BT Sport: “We did it the hard way. We couldn’t get going in the game. Every time we got into their 22 the ball was killed.

“It was very greasy and they slowed it down at the ruck, but I can’t believe we are champions again.

“I’m so happy for the young lads and the coaches.”

 

Asked about the influence of Stuart Lancaster, who departed his role as England coach under a cloud following the nation’s abysmal 2015 World Cup campaign, the Ireland star was full of praise.

He added: “Stuart Lancaster has been brilliant since he has come in.

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“We had a near miss last year which we learnt a lot from, but the belief he has instilled in us has meant a lot.”

And Sexton is now hoping to finish the season on a high, with a domestic semi-final against Munster next on the agenda.

“Two more wins in the league before we go to Australia will cap off the season,” said the 32-year-old. “It will be a tough game against Munster who will come out hard at us now we are European Champions.”

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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