IRELAND'S JOHNNY SEXTON has admitted that he isn't concerned with New Zealand's up-and-down form ahead of their quarter-final clash on Saturday. The Ireland captain adds that he only has eyes on advancing to the latter stages of the Rugby World Cup.
Ireland heads into the game, having never gotten past the quarter-finals of the tournament since 1987. Losses in 2011, 2015, and 2019 still sting for players and fans. The weight of expectation has never been greater for the Irish rugby team.
In a normal scenario, Ireland would be the underdogs against New Zealand, and the All-Blacks would be well-fancied to go through to the semi-finals. However, that narrative has been flipped on its head. Ireland heads into Saturday's clash in Marseille ranked as the number one team in the world, while New Zealand is struggling to gain any momentum.
Andy Farrell's side also heads into the game with a better record in their head-to-head clashes over the years. A first tour win in New Zealand and a November victory have given the Irish added confidence that they can once again beat the three-time winners of the tournament.
When asked what it would mean to get another scalp over Ian Foster's side on Saturday night, Sexton admitted he only had eyes for progression past a stage they had never managed to overcome.
"I haven’t thought once, personally, about what the game means. It’s all about the team and progressing in the competition. That’s all we are thinking about," said Sexton.
🗣️ 'We've worked on our mental game for the last four years... to prepare for this.'
Johnny Sexton is not thinking about Saturday's quarter final on a personal level, but focusing on it's importance for the team and the country. | ☘️@VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/hmpM1mceX2— Off The Ball (@offtheball) October 11, 2023
"I’ve had some great battles against New Zealand over the years, with Ireland and the Lions. What you learn is that every game is as tough as the last, no matter what the result, and that’s what we are preparing for.
"We’re preparing for the toughest game we’ve ever faced, and we’re trying to put ourselves in a frame of mind that we are going to be ready for it. Trying to win a World Cup, it’s something to go and get; it’s not something that puts pressure on me. It’s something that you dream of, probably not as a kid. When we were kids, we didn’t dream of Ireland winning a World Cup, but we’ve put ourselves in a position now to go and do that."
In other news, Ireland's team to face the All-Blacks was announced yesterday afternoon.
Here is a refresher of what that team looks like:
Farrell named an unchanged starting team from last weekend’s victory over Scotland. However, this was because James Ryan was omitted from the starting lineup due to injury concerns. Ian Henderson keeps his place and replaces him. Tadhg Beirne also starts as Ireland's other lock.
James Lowe and Mack Hansen, who had both been doubtful, have been passed fit for the clash against New Zealand. They join Hugo Keenan in the back three.
Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki are retained in midfield. Captain Johnny Sexton and Jamison Gibson-Park once again form the half-back pairing.
In the front row, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong are starting. Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, and Caelan Doris complete the Ireland starting team.
The replacements are Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, and Jimmy O’Brien.
Saturday’s match is live on Virgin Media One in the Republic of Ireland and ITV1 in the United Kingdom.
Ireland's team
Fullback. 15. Hugo Keenan
Winger. 14. Mack Hansen
Centres. 13.Gary Ringrosw 12.Bundee Aki
Winger 11. James Lowe
Outlhalf 10. Johnny Sexton Scrumhalf 9 Jamison Gibson-Park
Front row. 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Dan Sheehan 3. Tadhg Furlong
Second row. 4 Ian Henderson 5. Tadgh Bierne
Back row 6. Peter O’Mahony, 7. Josh van der Flier 8. Caelan Doris
Replacments: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Jimmy O’Brien
Quarter-final ready 💪
Here comes the @IrishRugby side to take on New Zealand in Paris#RWC2023 | #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/DTp0RsoTwi— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 11, 2023
