
Rugby
Share
Published 12:07 17 Mar 2017 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
Speaking at the Ireland team announcement on Thursday, Ireland out-half Jonathan Sexton spoke honestly about the scale of the task facing Ireland against an England side who put 61 points on Scotland in their last game.
"They have equalled the All Blacks unbeaten record. That speaks for itself. This team has been together for six years now. They are going for back-to-back Grand Slams.
"Stuart [Lancaster] and Andy [Farrell] built this team after the 2011 World Cup and they’ve stuck together. They have been through ups and downs and they are reaping the rewards of that from last season’s Grand Slam all the way through to now."
Interesting to hear Sexton, who has some previous with Jones, credit Lancaster and current Ireland assistant Farrell with building this team, but when asked if Ireland are facing a challenge on a par with the All Blacks he did not hesitate.
"Yeah, you’ve got to say that, especially consistency-wise. I think we can say we can beat these teams. But, we haven’t come near to 18 wins in a row. That’s what we need to aspire to be like. We can worry about that after Saturday," said Sexton.
"We’re playing against the second best team in the world and some would argue they could be the best. They haven’t played the All Blacks yet. We’re going to have to be at our best."
With pride, Lions places and history on the line, Saturday promises to be a clinker.
Prendergast admits huge disappointment at Munster situation
Not ideal. It’s worrying times for Munster rugby at the moment, with problems on and off the field. After being knocked out of both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, controversy then surrounded the appointment of Roger Randle for next season, due to historic rape accusations. The New Zealander is coming in to replace senior […]
Rugby
13h
Kerry legend slams players for reaction to Michael Murphy punch
Not under his watch! Although the dust has pretty much settled after the Michael Murphy incident during Donegal’s NFL Division 1 final win over Kerry last month, one Kingdom legend is still not pleased with what went on. Most of the criticism was levelled at Murphy for his clear-as-day punch on Dylan Casey, as well […]
Rugby
15h
Rugby
The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 134
Rugby