Ireland have opportunity to clinch a fourth Grand Slam in their history in Saturday’s Six Nations game at home to England; it would also be first Grand Slam ever achieved in Dublin; captain Johnny Sexton talked keeping emotions in check, ahead of what is likely his final 6N Dublin Test
Last Updated: 15/03/23 4:53pm
Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton told media he and the team must try to keep emotions in check vs England
Johnny Sexton says he and Ireland must attempt to control their emotions in Saturday’s Six Nations Grand Slam bid vs England, despite everything that is on the line.
A remarkable injury-hit victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday – added to previous victories in Cardiff, Rome and over France in Dublin – has Ireland one more victory from just a fourth Grand Slam, to follow 1948, 2009 and 2018.
Curiously, it is also the chance for Ireland to clinch a Grand Slam triumph in Dublin for the very first time; 1948 was won at Ravenhill in Belfast, while 2009 (Cardiff) and 2018 (Twickenham) were away from home.
Added to that, it is very likely 37-year-old Sexton’s final Six Nations match in Dublin, with the playmaker set to retire after this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
“Of course, but once I start getting dragged into that [final Six Nations game in Dublin], you start getting away from how you’re going to make that happen which is process, performance, and making sure you’re nailed on,” Sexton told media on Wednesday.
“I’m trying to get away from it as much as I can. I knew the questions were going to come.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Former Ireland back-row Alan Quinlan believes the current side could be regarded as the best Ireland team ever
Former Ireland back-row Alan Quinlan believes the current side could be regarded as the best Ireland team ever
“I have got a bit more emotional as I have gone on so it will definitely be tr …