Sexton keeps cool head in wake of dominant victory

Although the feeling of triumph must be pumping through the veins of Ireland captain Johnny Sexton after a commanding Round 1 victory over Wales, the 36 year-old adopts a reserved demeanour as the remainder of the competition awaits. 

Ireland powered past Wales for a 29-7 victory in a match heavily characterised by the former’s dominance in all facets of the game. 

However, Sexton is refusing to get ahead of himself, pointing out that, while his team put their best foot forward, it was far from the perfect effort. 

“I can’t tell you how demoralising it is when you go back to last year, first game sitting in the dressing room with nothing to show for all of your efforts: Triple Crown gone, Grand Slam gone and up against it to win a championship,” he said. 

“That’s what we’re pleased with most. 

“We feel there was plenty of stuff to brush up on for next week because France away is arguably one of the biggest tests in world rugby, so we need to be at our very best and we need to learn some lessons from today, even in victory. 

“I think we did that well over November and hopefully we continue in that vein.” 

Head coach Andy Farrell was pleased with the effort of his charges. 

“To get a bonus-point win against a side like Wales is no mean feat,” he said. 

“Really pleased with certain aspects of our game and, like all first games are going to be, there’s plenty to work on as well. 

“The conditions were terrible out there. It was really, really difficult to kick in, to play in, it was slippery, it was blustery, it was tough. 

“So, bringing all that together, Wales come here to win and to do a job on us and to be able to get a bonus-point win, we’re delighted with that. 

“I thought our discipline and decision-making was great.”