Ireland's Sexton to recover quickly from head knock, says coach

Robin Barnett
00:56, Feb 12, 2019
Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. This material can't be published, transferred, copied or redistributed.
Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. This material can't be published, transferred, copied or redistributed.

Ireland's Joey Carbery runs with the ball before offloadfing to Ireland's wing Keith Earls (unseen) who ran on to score his team's third try during the Six Nations worldwide rugby union match between Scotland and Ireland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, Scotland on Febuary 9, 2019.

The All Blacks went on to win the game 29-15 - a result which led to heavy criticism against the Frenchman, so much so that the International Rugby Board (IRB) as they were known at the time issued a statement admitting Poite had erred.

Ireland failed to convince for long stretches in their search for a riposte following last weekend's punishing 32-20 home loss to England.

Admitting Ireland expected Scotland to single out Sexton and attempt to shut him down physically, Schmidt insisted that worked to the visitors' advantage.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said that his side's downfall ultimately came down to poor execution and that he must take responsibility for that as a coach.

There was an expectation that he'd be fit to start Saturday's match against Scotland at Murrayfield in the Guinness Six Nations.

Joe Schmidt's men were undone by England's brute force in Dublin last week.

Asked if there would be merit in reiterating that Ireland never branded themselves the world's best, Stockdale replied: "Yes exactly; look we know we're a good side and we want to make sure we don't let ourselves down on the pitch".


"I think it will be a very fast, very physical game, a fantastic game to watch".

"Our contact work against a very good defence was outstanding; just that final piece, the execution of set-piece, which has been really good, that fell off the jigsaw today".

Scotland - Try: Sam Johnson. So it's a great opportunity to get him in and give him a run. Finn Russell read the play well to intercept Carbery's pass and race towards the line.

"There's no better challenge than going to Murrayfield and having to put in a performance".

Scotland's Blair Kinghorn is challenged by Ireland's Rob Kearney and Chris Farell during the the Six Nations rugby union worldwide match between Scotland and Ireland at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland, Saturday Feb. 9, 2019.

However, a superb burst from inside his own-half created Ireland's third try, veteran Keith Earls touching down, which he converted and he added a well taken penalty later in the second-half to give the Irish some breathing space.

Six Nations Championship Scotland v Ireland.

Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. This material can't be published, transferred, copied or redistributed.


Popular

CONNECT