Sexton: I know you hate me
REACTION: Johnny Sexton underlined his importance to Ireland as he was again their match-winner in Saturday’s dramatic 20-16 triumph in Sydney.
The Leinster flyhalf kicked five from six as the Six Nations champions secured a 2-1 series victory, including a vital penalty one minute from time as the Wallabies pressed for the winning score.
Sexton, who took over the captaincy after a first-half injury to Peter O’Mahony, also had a frank exchange with Pascal Gauzere when he told the French referee: “I know you hate me but you have to talk to me.”
Coach Joe Schmidt’s Ireland lost the first Test in the absence of the unflappable Sexton, who has been instrumental in their rise to number two in the Test rankings.
Sexton has also tasted European club success winning the Champions Cup and the Pro14 with Irish province Leinster.
Months after completing the Grand Slam in this year’s Six Nations, Ireland have now won a three-Test series in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time since 1979, an experience that will buoy their hopes of a maiden World Cup win next year.
Source: AFP
