Ireland pivot Sexton defends Libbok's goal-kicking woes: 'Every kicker goes through it'

In Paris

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton came to Manie Libbok's defence over his goal-kicking after the Irish beat the Springboks 13-8 at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Libbok and Faf de Klerk, despite excellent tactical hands in the game, missed a combined 11 points from the tee as the Boks slid to a third consecutive defeat against Ireland.

In the recent trio of defeats, it's only the 38-3 hammering in 2017 where the Boks were handsomely outplayed.

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In last year's 19-16 loss in Dublin, kicking was also an issue for the Boks as Damian Willemse and Cheslin Kolbe left points on the table.

It proved to be the case yet again in a tension-filled and frenzied atmosphere where, in a classic for the ages, the Boks' kicking wills failed them.

Sexton, who wasn't at his best in the 2022 game, nailed the kicks that counted on Saturday. He contributed with a penalty and a conversion, while Munster's Jack Crowley, who is enjoying a wave of sustained success against South Africa at domestic and international level, kicked over the final penalty that extended the gap to five points.

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Sexton said what Libbok is going through from a kicking perspective is something that happens to every flyhalf at Test level.

"Manie did some amazing things, like setting up the try," Sexton said.

"He's a handful with the ball and he has an array of tricks, but every kicker goes through a stage in their career and I had a similar one in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

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"It's tough, but you get stronger off the back of