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Johnny Sexton was asked how he rates current All Blacks team
By Ian Cameron
Ireland standoff Johnny Sexton was asked how he rated this crop of All Blacks, who have shipped their fair share of criticism over the course of the last 18 months, and he gave a fascinating response.
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The New Zealanders did enough to derail the Irish rugby juggernaut, a 28-24 win ending the men in green’s tournament once again at the quarter-final hurdle.
Ian Foster’s men disposed of what has become their bete noir in recent seasons in a rollercoaster arm wrestle, a victory that has also sent Irish icon Sexton into retirement.
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Sexton – who was spotted shaking hands with 2022 verbal sparring partner Dane Coles – was asked for his opinion of the current All Blacks side, one which he has faced on multiple occasions.
“The All Blacks judge themselves on winning World Cups, don’t they? So time will tell how good this team is,” said Sexton in the post-match press conference at the Stade de France.
“Time will tell but they’ve got some outstanding players, they’re well coached. Obviously, improved a lot since Joe (Schmidt, assistant coach) and (Jason) Ryan has gone in as forwards coach.
“They are clearly on the up, they’ve got Argentina in the semis, so probably likely [be] in the finals and then anything can happen. It will be gutting watching it.
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“I thought we had them a couple of times [in the final phases]. To concede the turnover when we were so close to the line was gutting. They scramble so hard for each other.
“To go through that many phases shows what this group is made of, but it’s gutting we couldn’t finish it off. We left it all out there.”
Sexton, it seems is withholding his judgement on just how good this New Zealand vintage is, even if the respect is clearly there for the men in black.
In turn New Zealand captain Sam Cane had some words for Sexton, who he clearly holds in high regard.
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“He has been massively successful for Ireland. It is hard to say a lot about other players because there have been many players we have had to say goodbye to.
“We know how much it hurts but when we reflect on his career, we see how great he has been for Ireland. He is great at decision making and he plays an outstanding game and the fact that he has been playing at this level proves it. Congratulations on his outstanding career.”
The Irish team played well. It was a tough physical game. Both teams gave thèir all. And i enjoyed watching it.
lets not forget the Irish are a great side who have taken themslves to the top of European rugby. Johnny Sexton is a great player who was able to command from his position. He could see and direct his team. His strengrh is in his discipline of his team. That is where his value truly lies. In many ways like a Grant Fox or Dan Carter. It is ungracious to say he shouldnt be in the team as you are not viewing the whole picture. It doesnt matter if he was born and raised in nz cos he may not have been picked. Look at the nzers in the irish team they werent picked for the ABs either. Never got a look in and they were noticed by Ireland scouts and offered opportunities not available to them in nz. They chose to play for Ireland.
In fairness they are the only side to beat sth africa…. The ABs didnt…. And we are likely to face them in the finals… altho a micheal cheka coached Argie side….. oooof…. The Pumas are on fire.
Is Sexton good enough to play … Yes he is.
Is he pissed off cos they lost…. who wouldnt be. The ABs have been when we lost.
and why is it ok right after the loss to ask him stupid fn questions like how do u feel…
Sexton is a class player that is underrated. Give him credit for leading a top european side and living the dream of the workd cup. We all know dreams end when we wake. And the Irúish got a rude awakening…..
Well after reading the comments I must say , I’m rather surprised by some. Let’s just put the whole thing in perspective! It’s a sports game. And as a Kiwi obviously extremely proud of our boys in Black, I dare not say, BUT they will always be the best team in the world, win or lose they have something that no other team has, South Africa the closest. It’s in our blood, we were all brought up watching the All Blacks, the loses can be felt Nation wide. We had our election the night before our game against Ireland, the next day our new Priminister turned up In an All Black jersey. It’s just in our blood.
Reviewing the Springboks' defensive effort to hold on to their lead in the second half against France, ex-Ireland international Shane Horgan told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It was an intensity and physicality that no other team in world rugby brings. That's what their game is built on.
Beth It’s in our blood too and even more so then in Kiwi blood…I do dare say The Boks will always be the greatest team in the world, win or loose we have something that other teams don’t have, New Zealand the closest. From an early age South African youngsters are fed on rugby and at primary school we start playing the game with bare feet and often on rough dirt surfaces with little grass. That is why we are so tough. We mourn as a nation if we loose and celebrate with joy as a nation when we win. We had Nelson Mandela turn up in a Springbok jersey when we won the World Cup in 1995 against New Zealand…On the day of the final match, Mandela made a bold and unannounced move that would become an iconic moment in history. He walked onto the field wearing a Springboks jersey with the number 6, the jersey of the team's captain, Francois Pienaar who was a white South African. Mandela's appearance in the Springboks jersey sent a powerful message of support and unity to both the black and white communities in South Africa. It signified that the sport was no longer just for the privileged white minority but belonged to all South Africans, regardless of race. It’s in our hearts and blood and our blood is Green
31 to 5 says it all
I’m not convinced that if Sexton was a kiwi, he would ever have been picked for the ABs first XV. Maybe a backup but he doesnt have the raw skills most NZ fly half’s have had. I could see him on the bench, but I wouldn't have even picked him over Andrew Mehrtens, maybe Colin Slade, not Carlos Spencer or Dan Carter, not Mounga, not Barrett. The ABs have been magnanimous in celebrating his career. He hasn’t. Shows the difference in class.
It's all hypothetical but if Sexton grew up in NZ he'd most probably be a better player, so could probably have made the ABs. He has been an excellent player and will stand amongst the legends of the game. In the QF his game was lacking. He simply stood and passed. Defenders didn't have to commit to him, the skid and contained Aki, most of the time. NZ knew his play and structured their defence around that.
Ummm Andy you almost right on one item you mentioned he’d possibly make it on the bench that’s for sure - only problem is which bench ya talking about the one at the Bus stop in K-Rd or the one outside the Glue Pot in Ponsonby that’ll be a difficult one - I’m afraid we’d have to go to a Public Vote
Great comment , I was thinking the same. Mind you to be fair it is much easier to be magnanimous in Victory than defeat. But the humility and humble demeanour shown by all All Black teams shows thé class and moral compass of NZ.
France just joined the “New World Order” 🤣
Hey Graham how many world cup
Semis has Ireland played in??? And if not how many quarterfinals have they lost 🤣
They formed the number of how many they have been in AND lost when they faced up to the Haka…go and have a look!😂😂
The top ranked team in the world should have done a lot more during the quarter of the game the other lot were down to 14 men. Not good enough and very poor up front and in the lineout. NZ obviously gave some of the snide little brat's lip back to him. Referees will be glad he’s gone - feckin gobsh1te.
On another note, the lack of respect shown during the minutes silence was a disgrace to all concerned.
On another note, the lack of respect shown during the minutes silence was a disgrace to all concerned.
It just could be that they are no longer buying into selective hypocritical moments of silence.