Farrell, Sexton laud Ireland’s ‘character’

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Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton said “character” had been the pivotal factor in Ireland’s Six Nations win over defending champions France in a “titanic” Test on Saturday.

The Irish largely dominated in an impressive 32-19 victory to lay down a marker not only for a potential Grand Slam, but also the World Cup later this year.

In a match featuring the world’s top two sides, No 1 Ireland secured a record 13th successive home Test win in style with four tries.

Pleasing for Farrell too, was that they managed to see themselves home despite talismanic flyhalf Sexton having to go off with half an hour remaining.

“We have won a titanic game,” Farrell told reporters post-match. “Character won it. The fight, the want to cover each other’s back. The togetherness and spirit we have got, it was great to be able to show everyone else that.

“The instances of people playing not too much rugby and coming back to play like that when the chips are down is just remarkable.”

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Farrell, celebrating his first win over the French since he took over after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, said he had been left perplexed by the French strategy.

“I was a little bit surprised how they went about their game in the first half,” the Englishman said . “How much ball they played in and around halfway, they’re normally very pragmatic as far as that’s concerned.

“I don’t know if that’s anything to do with it, but, wow, when you say they’re sloppy, I don’t necessarily agree with that. You’re always five seconds away from something pretty remarkable.”

The French did prove Farrell’s point with their only try, a remarkable effort started inside their 22 and finished off by Damian Penaud.

Farrell said he didn’t feel comfortable in the second half when the Irish were for the most part just six points ahead.

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“As far as Antoine Dupont or two of the wingers are concerned, I don’t know if anyone tackled them throughout the full 80 minutes to be honest,” he said.

“Even I was exhausted and I didn’t even play the game. It was a top-end Test match that everyone wanted and everyone got that. We’re fortunate to come out the right side of the scoreboard.”

Sexton was visibly moved at the playing of the national anthems. Saturday was the final time he would play France in a Six Nations match as he will retire after the World Cup.

He was full of praise for long-time half-back partner Conor Murray. Murray, starting a Test match with Sexton for the 67th time, said he was fine to play despite his father being in hospital with serious injuries following a road accident on Tuesday.

“Unbelievable isn’t it,” said Sexton. “That’s the mark of the character he is.

“In my eyes he always has been a class operator. He has changed the game in many ways as regards for scrumhalves. He showed today exactly that and to be so calm was remarkable.”

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: @IrishRugby/Twitter

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