Johnny Sexton says there is ‘plenty to brush up on’, but admitted how different this year feels to last
Johnny Sexton says there is plenty for Ireland to brush up on ahead of travelling to France next week despite their dominant win against Wales, while Dan Biggar vowed: ‘We’re better than that.’
Centres Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, and wing Andrew Conway (two) scored Ireland’s tries, while skipper Sexton added three conversions and a penalty in an impressive display of free-flowing attack from the hosts.
The victory marked a change from 12 months ago, when Ireland suffered defeat to Wales in Cardiff – with Wayne Pivac’s side going on to claim the title.
Sexton admitted the change this year is palpable.
“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.
Sexton celebrates Ireland’s bonus-point clinching try in Dublin on Saturday
Sexton celebrates Ireland’s bonus-point clinching try in Dublin on Saturday
“I think we did that well over November and hopefully we continue in that vein.”
Having gone through a transitional phase, 2018 Grand Slam champions Ireland are beginning to look the real deal again after an outstanding autumn, which included glory against New Zealand.
Wales arrived at a sold-out Aviva Stadium without a host of key men due to injury, including captain Alun Wyn Jones.
Wayne Pivac’s visitors – who upset the odds to lift a 28th championship in 2021 – never got going and were outclassed from start to finish on a torrid afternoon played in blustery conditions.
Ireland head coach Farrell was pleased with his side’s professionalism and echoed Sexton’s comments about scope for further development.
“To get a bonus-point win against a side like Wales is no mean feat,” said Farrell.
“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.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was delighted with his side’s performance at full-time
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was delighted with his side’s performance at full-time
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“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.”
Pivac: We weren’t able to match Ireland physically | Biggar: We’re better than that
Wayne Pivac paid special attention to the fact his Wales side lost out badly in the physicality stakes, admitting improvements are necessary.
“Collectively, we talked about the start we wanted – we wanted to match them physically,” the Wales coach said post-match.
“You have to do that when you come to Dublin, and our discipline needed to back that up. We weren’t able to do that – it was evident with the penalty count in the first 20 minutes.
“When you are defending for long periods like that – there were 100-odd tackles made in the first half – it makes it very difficult when we do get our hands on the ball.
