Togetherness is Ireland’s greatest strength, says Johnny Sexton
Johnny Sexton believes the togetherness fostered by the head coach, Andy Farrell, is Ireland’s greatest strength.
The world’s top-ranked team took a significant step towards the Six Nations title on Saturday, thanks to a a thrilling 32-19 success over the reigning grand slam champions, France, in Dublin.
Ireland have now beaten each of rugby’s leading countries during Farrell’s tenure – England, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, Australia and world champions South Africa have fallen during the last 12 months – as well as registering a record 13 consecutive Test victories on home soil.
Sexton, the side’s fly-half and captain, contributed seven points with the boot against Les Bleus, and credits the blend of work ethic and camaraderie for keeping him hungry.
“It’s the biggest part of our success and that comes from the environment that the staff put together for us, led by Andy,” he said of the tight-knit bond in the group.
“It’s just an enjoyable place to come in and work and we get the balance right between enjoying each other’s company and then switch on and work and work hard.
“It’s not all happy-go-lucky stuff, it’s work hard and we enjoy each other’s company.
“There are a lot of lads that have been together for many years, then there are new guys coming in that add to the environment just as much and it’s a great group to be a part of.
“It keeps the older lads going, keeps us hungry and loving it so it’s a pleasure to be involved with.”
Tries from Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Andrew Porter and Garry Ringrose helped earn Ireland a first victory in four outings against France to halt their opponents’ winning run at 14 matches.
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