'They sucker-punched us' - Sexton reacts to Ireland World Cup exit

Gutted Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has spoken of his pride in his side despite their Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of New Zealand following a titanic battle in Paris.

Ireland have exited the sport’s flagship competition in the first game of the knockout stages yet again after suffering a 24-28 loss against the All Blacks at the Stade de France following a slow start which left the side chasing the game.

The much talked about quarter-final curse returned for the men in green, but Sexton’s first instinct was to speak of how proud he was of his teammates and of the Irish nation.

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“I’m very proud of the boys, the nation, we couldn’t have done any more, it’s just fine margins. They sucker-punched us on a few tries and that’s why champion teams do. We knew they were a great side and we fell just short unfortunately.

“It’s been amazing. This six weeks has been a dream – this group, these fans and I’m just gutted we couldn’t do it for them.

“You’ve got to work hard for fairytale endings and we didn’t get it but that’s life. We left no stone unturned, we ticked every box, trained the house down, and played pretty well tonight. A few decisions, a bounce of the ball … fair play to the All Blacks.

“The last six weeks have been incredible, the support, the way we’ve played. It’s been a dream come true and that includes today.

“They didn’t have to work hard for their tries. We were sucker-punched a couple of times, but they are a quality team.

“We had to work harder for our tries and the way we fought back was a tribute to our character.

“The last couple of years, in a green jersey anyway, have been the most enjoyable of my career.

“It’s an incredible place to be and that’s what I’ll miss. But grateful as well, sitting here at 38, I’ve had a few ups and downs.

“I’ll probably reflect on it a bit more in the next couple of weeks, spend time with my family.”

It will be Sexton’s last game of professional rugby, with the 38-year-old set to hang up his boots after a remarkable career that saw the Leinster man go from nearly being let go from his province in 2009 to becoming one of the greats of the modern game.

Head coach Farrell was quizzed on his captain’s remarkable career immediately after the loss and the Wigan man was lost for words.

“I can’t do it justice quickly,” said Andy Farrell of Sexton. “First and foremost he’s an outstanding human being. He’s probably the best ever player to play for Ireland and when you’re 38 and playing your best rugby, it says a lot about the man.

“Two good teams going at it, fine margins and all that. At the start of the game we coughed up penalties and gave them field position and six points. I was so proud of the way we came back and kept attacking them right until the death. We’ve had a good run but sport can be cruel sometimes – I guess that’s why we love it. The way we kept battling shows the character of this side.”