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Sexton: 'It keeps the older lads going, keeps us hungry and loving it'

By PA
(Photo by PA)

Johnny Sexton believes the togetherness fostered by head coach Andy Farrell is Ireland’s greatest strength following another landmark result.

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The world’s top-ranked team took a significant step towards the Guinness Six Nations title with Saturday’s thrilling 32-19 success over reigning Grand Slam champions France in Dublin.

Ireland have now beaten each of rugby’s leading countries during Farrell’s tenure and registered a record 13 consecutive Test victories on home soil.

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Captain Sexton feels a strong spirit is the Irish camp’s prime asset and credits the blend of work ethic and camaraderie for keeping him “hungry”.

“It’s the biggest part of our success and that comes from the environment that the staff put together for us, led by Andy,” the 37-year-old said of the tight-knit bond in the group.

“It’s just an enjoyable place to come in and work and we get the balance right between enjoying each other’s company and then switch on and work and work hard.

“It’s not all happy-go-lucky stuff, it’s work hard and we enjoy each other’s company.

“There are a lot of lads that have been together for many years, then there are new guys coming in that add to the environment just as much and it’s a great group to be a part of.

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“It keeps the older lads going, keeps us hungry and loving it so it’s a pleasure to be involved with.”

Tries from Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Andrew Porter and Garry Ringrose helped earn Ireland a first victory in four outings against France to halt their opponents’ winning run at 14 matches.

Farrell’s men have also defeated England, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, world champions South Africa and Australia during the past 12 months.

Fly-half Sexton contributed seven points with his boot against Les Bleus, while his replacement Ross Byrne added a further five.

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Ireland travel to Italy in a fortnight’s time before a trip to fellow title-chasers Scotland in round four is followed by England’s visit to the Aviva Stadium on the final weekend.

Farrell is determined to “keep pushing the standards”.

“It’s just about us improving us a group, a realisation of where we’re at, where we need to get better and how hungry we are on a daily basis to try and achieve those goals,” he said.

“Everyone talked about the performance last week (a 34-10 win over Wales) but I asked the guys after all the reviews, ‘where do you think we are at?’

“And, to a man, everyone thought the performance wasn’t good enough.

“We’ll do exactly the same with this now and keep pushing the standards, that’s what it’s all about. That’s all that matters to us really. “

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 5 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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