'It's a very special day' - Sexton reacts to series win

Johnny Sexton says he believes his team have done the country proud, after Ireland claimed a memorable Test series win against New Zealand.

Andy Farrell's side produced a stunning 32-22 win at Sky Stadium in Wellington this morning to seal a first ever series win away to the All Blacks, having only claimed their first ever win in New Zealand a week ago.

The tourists had to dig deep to survive a ferocious second half comeback, with Rob Herring's try on 65 minutes giving Ireland enough breathing room to hold on, to the delight of the travelling Irish fans at the Cake Tin in Wellington.

"We speak about them all the time, we wanted to do them proud, all of our families either here and at home, we wanted to do them proud as well, and we certainly did that," said Ireland captain Sexton after the game.

"Even if we didn't get the result, the effort was incredible.

"It's a very special day, because we're playing against the best in the world. To come down here and do it is very, very special."

The 37-year-old dedicated the win to head coach Andy Farrell, who has now beaten the All Blacks three times in just four attempts.

The Englishman, who took over from Joe Schmidt after the 2019 Rugby World Cup survived a rough period of transition in 2020 and early 2021, and Sexton says he deserves huge credit for how he turned Ireland's fortunes around.

"It's clear how much belief, it starts with the main lad, Faz coming in here, he's changed things.

"He was brave at the start and stuck with some older lads, and got criticised. He brought in some younger lads, and has just done an incredible job. It's all credit to him really," he added.

And the out-half says this win should just be a stepping stone for future success.

"It means a lot now. I know in a