Andy Farrell saluted johnny sexton The two are the greatest player in Irish history as they celebrate a spectacular Grand Slam victory after a tense 29-16 win against 14-man England.
Captain Sexton helped his country win a clean championship for the first time. Dublin – and fourth overall – on the occasion of St Patrick’s last outing to the tournament to rekindle his weekend party.
The 37-year-old, who will retire after the fall World Cup in France, scored nine points to beat Ronan O’Gara, the Guinness Six Nations all-time top scorer with a total of 566 points.
Head coach Farrell was “extremely proud” of the success of his entire team and selected the influential captain Sexton for special praise.
“He says dreams are made of this all week,” Farrell said. “It doesn’t come that often.
“And I think it’s incredibly fitting to have the best player ever to play with. Ireland He can sign a Grand Slam in front of his own audience on St. Patrick’s Day.
“There are many stars who have come together for the past eight weeks and come together tonight.”
Ireland’s previous Grand Slams – in 1948, 2009 and 2018 – were riveted in Belfast, Cardiff and London respectively.
Two tries from Dan Sheehan and scores from Robbie Henshaw and Rob Herring swept the hosts over the line on an electrifying evening in a boisterous Aviva Stadium.
England led most of the first half thanks to two. Owen Farrell penalties but Freddie Steward sent Hugo Keenan for a sleeve just before the break and failed to spoil the party despite a stubborn showdown.
Andy Farrell, who was asked to summarize his feelings, said, “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry or feel a little sad. It’s a strange feeling at this time.
“I’m glad that the kids crossed the line because it meant a lot to them, especially to be home here, only fourth in Irish history. First at home.
“It’s a special occasion, especially since it’s outside of our hotel on the weekend.
“We felt a task that we couldn’t let people down and I can say it was a relief to get the job done, but it’s extremely flattering.
“Grand Slams aren’t just won on nights like this, they’re won during the time we’re together. We’re building for that and I’m happy we got the job done.”
I’m so glad the kids crossed the line because it meant a lot to them, especially being home here, only fourth in Irish history. first at home
Andy Farrell
Sexton received a standing ovation as he limped off the pitch late after a bruised match.
“We’ve won a Grand Slam, this is self-pinch bullshit,” he said in half, who won his second career Grand Slam but was the first captain.
“Actually, you didn’t make it up. It’s the stuff of dreams.
“I’ve always wanted to be captain of Ireland and this guy (Farrell) asked me to do that. It was probably one of the best days of my life and today is even better to experience it.”
Owen Farrell scored three penalties throughout the evening to cause some concern on his father’s side, as well as transforming Jamie George’s attempt at consolation.
Still, despite a strong reaction to France’s record-breaking 53-10 game last weekend, England endured another crushing campaign – losing three of five matches for the third consecutive year.
England captain Farrell, who was “surprised” by the decision to sack Steward, said: “I thought the game was a great Test match.
“I thought our reaction after seeing the red card was very good.
“I thought we were fighting for each other and unfortunately we were not on the right side of the result, which is very disappointing for an England jersey.
“But I thought the reaction to things that didn’t go the way we wanted, especially after last week, was great.”