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Last-gasp Sexton drop-goal stuns France
By Peter Thompson
Jonathan Sexton spoiled Jacques Brunel's first game in charge of France with a last-gasp drop-goal as Ireland started their Six Nations campaign with a dramatic 15-13 victory in Paris.
A magnificent solo try from Teddy Thomas nine minutes from time looked to have given new head coach Brunel a winning start to his tenure as the rain fell at the Stade de France.
There was a distinct lack of French flair until wing Thomas produced a moment of sheer brilliance to score the only try of an attritional contest, Anthony Belleau converting to put Les Bleus in charge for the first time.
Four penalties out of five from Sexton had seen Joe Schmidt's men lead for much of the match and the fly-half held his nerve to nail a magnificent drop-goal under pressure with the last kick of the game to break France hearts.
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Latest Comments
It's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
Go to commentsThe Stormers sloppiness show that they are a poorly coached side. Fortunately for them, so are the Sharks.
There are tougher opponents waiting and they will be punished heavily unless the coaching improves dramatically.
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