Johnny Sexton claims the performance wasn’t perfect but is confident that Ireland can now build momentum after notching an impressive win over Wales to kick-start their 2022 Guinness Six Nations campaign.
Sexton may not have believed it was perfect but it was undeniably an imposing display by the hosts as Andrew Conway’s try double inspired them to a 29-7, bonus-point victory against the reigning champions.
It was a far cry from 12 months ago, when Wales triumphed in a Round 1 fixture between the sides and used it as a springboard to go on and lift the 2021 title.
In 2022, and in breezy conditions at the Aviva Stadium, Ireland coped admirably to control the game from the off and played plenty of stylish rugby as they laid down the perfect marker to begin their pursuit of a first Championship crown since 2018.
“Against the reigning champions, to come away with five points, we’d have snapped your hand off for that at the start of the game,” admitted Ireland skipper Sexton.
“We looked out the window this morning and we knew it wasn’t going to be pretty. Thankfully the rain stayed away for most of the game but the wind played its part.
“We knew if we could get a foothold in the first half playing into the elements, then second half we had the breeze behind us and we could use it to our advantage.
“It’s never going to be perfect in your first game of a Six Nations and it wasn’t today – we’ve got lots to improve on. We will pick apart the performance like we have every other time.
“But it’s a big thing to be doing it off the back of a win. Last year, after the first match the Grand Slam was gone, the Triple Crown was gone, everything gone in one game. You’re up against it to win the Championship.
“Now we’ve got everything to play for, that’s where you want to be in this competition, you can build momentum.”
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A buoyant Ireland – fresh off a perfect Autumn Nations Series and now this Round 1 victory – head to Paris next weekend to face France in a battle between two sides that many consider the favourites for the 2022 Guinness Six Nations title.
It should be a titanic tussle and Sexton is already relishing one of the biggest challenges in rugby at the Stade de France.
“We know there’s a massive test ahead next week,” he added. “To go to Paris and get a result is incredibly, incredibly tough so we’ll have to be at our very best to get it.
“I’m sure France will be going into the game in a good position as well. A lot of teams in this competition have been going in confident after a good November and people finishing well in summer Tests et cetera.
“I think France are in a good place so it’s going to be a hell of a test.”
