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Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has defended Johnny Sexton after his performance during Ireland’s 37-27 win over Wales.
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The Leinster outhalf put in an uncharacteristically poor kicking display, leaving 10 points behind.
He missed his first three attempts at goal, the first of which was right in front of the posts.
“Unfortunately today his goal kicking wasn’t what it normally is. To coin a golfing analogy, you can be super off the tee, your short irons can be great, but he didn’t quite have the putting game that he normally does.”
Schmidt was keen to stress Sexton’s running game was crucial to the victory.
“He decided he was going to carry today and play like a big man, which did admirably. He probably had a bit more contact that he normally does. He did some things superbly, he brought other players into the game, that is one of the beauties of having Johnny.”
“It was a super, super pass for Jacob (Stockdale) to really jog in. He showed the full gambit (of passing).”
Jacob Stockdale talks to RugbyPass about being the Six Nations top try scorer
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Ireland are now the only team left in the competition who can complete the Grand Slam after England’s shock defeat to Scotland.
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