Captain Johnny Sexton has warned Ireland towards complacency forward of subsequent 12 months’s Rugby World Cup following a momentous collection win in New Zealand.
Andy Farrell’s males underlined their credentials for the 2023 match in France by clinching a historic tour success towards the All Blacks courtesy of Saturday’s pulsating 32-22 victory in Wellington.
Sexton, who surpassed 1,000 profession factors for his nation within the Test decider, has repeatedly stated the Irish should not repeat earlier errors by peaking too quickly for a World Cup.
But the influential fly-half additionally confused that his aspect can not afford to ease off earlier than making an attempt to hit high type when it issues most.
Following a summer time break, Ireland’s gamers will reconvene for Dublin clashes towards world champions South Africa, Fiji and Australia within the autumn earlier than making ready for one more shot at Six Nations glory.
“We’ve got a full season to play and it shouldn’t be ‘beat New Zealand and let’s wait for the World Cup’,” stated Sexton.
“There’s plenty more to play. There are big home games in November, there’s a Six Nations to play where we still haven’t achieved things we want to achieve in that.
“We got a Triple Crown this year but a championship or better would be something we’re aiming for, so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be trying to progress and do that.
“It’s very Irish to think ‘oh, we have to take it easy now until the World Cup’. No, let’s keep making the most of it, let’s keep getting better.”
Sexton kicked 12 essential factors at Sky Stadium as Ireland, who misplaced the Auckland opener earlier than levelling issues in Dunedin, accomplished a outstanding collection turnaround to maneuver high of the world rankings.
He consequently turned solely the second man – after former quantity 10 rival Ronan O’Gara – to succeed in 4 figures within the inexperienced jersey.
The Leinster veteran is aware of the accountability he has in sustaining requirements transferring ahead.
“That has to be driven by me as captain and the rest of the leadership group,” continued Sexton, who celebrated his thirty seventh birthday initially of the week.
“To turn up, show the right attitude in September when we’re back playing for our provinces. Just keep getting better, that’s the key.”
Sexton, the 2018 world participant of the 12 months, ranked overcoming the All Blacks on New Zealand soil among the many best moments of his distinguished profession.
Following the landmark collection, he’s desirous to protect the way forward for three-Test excursions amid ongoing discussions about potential modifications to the worldwide calendar.
“It’s right up there, of course,” Sexton stated of the 2-1 win.
“Every time you play for Ireland it is incredibly special and to do something that no team has ever done before…will we ever get a chance to play three Tests in New Zealand again? I’m not sure.
“If this world league idea comes in we’ll be playing one Test all over the shop but I think the three-Test series is special and that’s proven by this game. It would be a shame to get rid of them.”
Source: www.impartial.co.uk