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Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of Ireland’s match against Argentina next Sunday, their final game of the Autumn Nations Series.
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Sexton sustained a leg injury during his side’s epic victory over the All Blacks and was replaced by Munster’s Joey Carbery. It has now been confirmed that he suffered a knee and ankle injury that will rule him out of their clash with traditional foes, Los Pumas.
An IRFU statement reads: “Captain Johnny Sexton twisted a knee and ankle against New Zealand at the weekend which will rule him out of action for between 4-6 weeks. The Ireland captain will remain with the squad this week as the team prepares for the game against Argentina.
“Connacht’s Jack Carty has joined the Ireland squad for the final week of the Autumn Nations Series.
“Gavin Coombes returns to the squad having missed last week through illness.
“Ireland’s final game of the Autumn Nations Series is against Mario Ledesma’s Argentina. Los Pumas were last in Dublin in 2018 when Ireland emerged the victors 28-17.”
Sexton played a pivotal role in Ireland’s victory over the All Blacks, their third in five attempts over five years.
Despite his years, the 36-year-old remains Ireland’s first choice at standoff two years out from the Rugby Word Cup in France, a tournament the Dubliner is targeting.
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Sexton celebrated his 100th cap with a crushing 60-5 win over Japan. Following the win over the All Blacks, the former St Mary’s pupil pointed out that it’s vital that Ireland don’t peak with their victory over the All Blacks and that they continue to improve.
“We’ve already identified that this is the start of a two-year journey and we’ve said that,” said the fly-half following the game. “This is the start and it’s important that we continually improve.
“Obviously, this being a peak is no good to anybody. There’s lot of room for improvement – we need to keep our feet on the ground and keep driving this.”
