Skipper Johnny Sexton relished what was a “dream” final Six Nations Test for the veteran flyhalf after Ireland beat England on Saturday to claim their fourth Grand Slam.
Hooker Dan Sheehan scored two tries to help steer the men in green to a 29-16 victory over England in Dublin.
Sexton became the Six Nations all-time record points scorer after landing a penalty, also going on to convert Sheehan’s double and another try by Robbie Henshaw at the Aviva Stadium.
“Bloody hell, what a team!” said Sexton post-match. “We did exactly the opposite of what the coaches told us! But we did it in the end.
“It’s like a dream I don’t want to wake up from. This is what you dream of as a kid. I’m pinching myself.”
REPORT: Ireland crowned Six Nations champions
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, who was Joe Schmidt’s assistant when they won the Grand Slam in 2018, said it had been at one point “squeaky bum time” but he was delighted it had ended in their favour.
“It means so much to everyone here; to be able to do a St Patrick’s weekend and win a Grand Slam is always going to be special,” said the 47-year-old Englishman, father of England flyhalf and skipper Owen.
Ireland went into the game knowing a victory or draw would be enough to seal the title, but were made to work by England, who had fullback Freddie Steward sent off on the stroke of half time.
England lost another man with the clock ticking down as Jack Willis was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle.
Appropriately just as Sheehan was being named Man of the Match his replacement as hooker, Rob Herring, went over. Ross Byrne’s conversion went wide but that mattered not a jot as the seconds ticked down, the crowd burst into a rendition of ‘Fields of Athenry’, and the perfect Six Nations farewell for Sexton in his hometown.
“One of the best nights of our careers. It was all about delivering today and attacking,” Sheehan added.
“We didn’t get it quite right to start with but we found a way. There was a bit of pressure but there’s pressure in every game you play for Ireland. We were a little bit off quieter in the first half so we’re delighted to get the result. This day is really special.”
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: INPHO/Morgan Treacy