Six Nations: Johnny Sexton wants Ireland to kick on or France win ‘won’t be worth anything’

Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton insists his side’s impressive 32-19 win over title rivals France will not be “worth anything” if they do not go on and claim the title.

It was a thrilling Test in Dublin between the two title contenders in round two, and the victory for Ireland puts the side in a great position to go on and win the Six Nations and possibly a Grand Slam.

Ireland had a stunning first period that saw Hugo Keenan, James Lowe and Andrew Porter score tries, but Garry Ringrose’s effort in the 71st minute was the final nail in the coffin for France.

Build on the win

Sexton was pleased with the win but insisted his side must not slip up and make the most of their position in the championship.

“It was an incredible game, wasn’t it? It felt like we were on the up after getting that (Keenan) try and then suddenly out of nothing they can come alive, that’s what we spoke about,” he said.

“Even though we won and got five points in the end, you still didn’t feel very comfortable.

“We knew how big it was in terms of the championship and now we’ve got to decompress, take a few days off and come back.

“It’s not worth anything if we let it slip now in terms of against Italy in the next game.”

Sexton said his team is focused on improving on last year’s campaign, particularly in a World Cup year where they are known to dip in form as they did in 2019.

“We won a Triple Crown last year and we want to go better this year,” continued Sexton.

“That’s what we speak about, keeping the trajectory like this (going upwards) as opposed to in 2019 when we dipped.

“To get better is to win the championship or a Grand Slam. How you do that is concentrate on the next two weeks and try and beat Italy away which, if you saw their game last week (a 29-24 loss to France), (you know) how tough a game it’s going to be.”

The skipper praised long-term half-back partner Conor Murray who still performed well despite his father suffering serious injuries whilst cycling in the week.

He said: “Unbelievable really, isn’t it? It’s mark of the character and the player.

“In my eyes, he’s always been a class operator and always been world-class in his position. It just amazes me that he could show up today, be so calm and put in the performance that he did.”

End of a run

The loss ends an extended run of wins by France and head coach Fabien Galthie feels his team must learn to spend a day with defeat.

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Galthie said: “It is almost two years since we have lost, it is hard to take. The series of wins are there, now it is necessary to learn how to take a defeat.

“Defeat is not really a friend, but we will have to spend the day with her. We came to play and win the match. Like every match, we worked hard for it but our adversary beat us. We really needed to keep control territorially.”