Ireland faced their biggest test of the World Cup to date at the Olympic Stadium and will be relieved to have recorded a victory, particularly as they played the last eight minutes against Italy with 14 men.
“They said before the last game they were going to come down my channel because I was obviously coming back from a lay-off, and I don’t see it being any different this time”, said Sexton.
Ireland enjoyed fervent backing in the Olympic Stadium from their travelling fans, and perhaps from a few locals too following England’s early exit from the tournament. “Sometimes it’s not your day, and in that context we are delighted to get the result”.
Sexton missed a last-minute shot at the posts, but it was not needed as Schmidt’s side maintained their winning form and stayed top of the Pool D standings, albeit in unconvincing fashion. No. 8 Jamie Heaslip speared off, Sexton ran to the line and his inside pass hit Robbie Henshaw in a gap, with Keith Earls on hand for the offload on the line.
“He’s a hard man to stop and I know it better than most”, said Sexton of Bastareaud. I really am happy that we have got there.
“We have to expect huge physicality, at worldwide level you’re going to be in for a battle”.
Ten metres out from their own line, Andrea Manici’s throw was picked by Peter O’Mahony and Ireland went wide after a couple of phases.
Thankfully for Ireland it wasn’t as they commendably held their nerve when O’Mahony was sin-binned and missed a tense final nine minutes.
O’Mahony was central to the scoring of Ireland’s try and the prevention of one by Josh Furno.
You would have been forgiven for thinking Ireland would kick on from here and dismiss the Italian challenge, but another Allan penalty in the 24th minute kept them in touch after Paul O’Connell infringed.
Now, he’s counting on his players learning from their poor play in time because you can’t rely on luck against a team like France who have their flaws, but can also hurt Ireland.
France’s players yesterday highlighted the lineout as a key area ahead of Monday’s game.
Over the last two years, the lofty standards that Ireland have set for themselves have become so much the norm that when they’re not reached, questions will inevitably be asked.
“Today, collectively, it was a very, very good match, even if we lost”, Parisse said.
“When you make mistakes it flattens the performance you can’t get into any rhythm”.
If Italy come out of this match with the win they can thank their openside Simone Favaro.
That was at very good defending through Ireland flanker, but Italy would still be able to take mind from having the ability to design the bestride.
“Unfortunately after that we were a bit behind in the score”.
Sexton gave them a little breathing space with a penalty as the game neared the hour mark for a 13-9 lead.
Defeat ends Italy’s chances of progress but Jacques Brunel’s side can take heart from a determined performance, which stretched a team many believe represent Europe’s best hope of becoming champions.