Sexton content with Ireland’s start

Editor

Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton was happy enough to get a bonus point win over Canada despite there being areas to work on.

A 54-9 win gave Ireland an expectedly perfect start to their World Cup campaign.

“There were some mistakes and some good stuff but I think we’re just happy to get the four tries and to secure the victory and then we got our points difference up as well," he said.

"We are happy with a lot of stuff but there is some things we have to work on.

“There are some big tests ahead. That’s the attitude we’re taking.

"We haven’t had a chance to look at it yet but I am sure, during the review, there will be some pointers to work on.”

The Six Nations champions were defeated in their final two warm-up matches by Wales and England, but according to Sexton those losses highlighted why preparing for the World Cup for with minutes on the field is so important.

“That’s what those games are for – to make sure we are ready for a World Cup. That’s why we play them. They are obviously a risk from an injury point of view but they are badly needed," said Sexton.

“You can’t get match-fit training hard and, although we trained really hard in the summer, the fitness in a match is totally different.

“What I found in the first two games, running around I was fine because I have been doing that all summer, but it was when I had to hit someone and get back up and make a couple of contacts in a row, that’s when I was really struggling and I felt a lot better at the weekend (against Canada).

“I think we’re all starting to get our match sharpness and fitness, which is what we want at this time.

Ireland team manager Mick Kearney added that centre Robbie Henshaw was available for selection for Ireland's next game against Romania.

“Thankfully, apart from the normal bumps and bruises associated with the game of rugby, we have a clean bill of health, which is good news," he said.

“Robbie is working well through his rehabilitation and the expectation is that he will be available for selection (against Romania next Sunday)."