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Video: Schmidt gets defensive over Sexton performance
By Nathaniel Cope
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has defended Johnny Sexton after his performance during Ireland's 37-27 win over Wales.
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)."
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Latest Comments
Disagree.
The challenge for the All Blacks now that they have 7 of 8 starting forwards locked in and all but one bench forward (only one loose forward and bench loosie to settle on) is to sort out the starting backline as only 9 Roigard, 12 J. Barrett, 11 Clarke and 15 Jordan had good to outstanding seasons in 2024. All the other backs were inconsistent or poor and question marks going into 2025.
Go to commentshe should not be playing 12. He should be playing 10 and team managers should stop playing players out of position to accommodate libbok.
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