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.

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.”

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.

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.