Johnny Sexton and Ronan O’Gara ‘not talking’ as Ireland points record broken
Johnny Sexton celebrates breaking Ireland's points record against Tonga in Rugby World Cup.
Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton has joked that he and Ronan O’Gara are not on speaking terms after the former broke the latter’s points record.
The 38-year-old became his country’s record points holder when he touched down against Tonga on Saturday, overtaking the record held by O’Gara.
Following the 59-16 triumph over the Pacific Islanders in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup, Sexton now stands on 1,090 points, seven ahead of his compatriot.
Asked whether he had received any messages from O’Gara, Ireland’s current playmaker responded: “I haven’t checked my phone yet.”
Leinster-La Rochelle rivalry
After retiring from playing, O’Gara went into coaching and is currently head coach at La Rochelle where he has led them to successive European Champions Cup titles.
Both of them came against Leinster, with the latest a 27-26 dramatic triumph in Dublin. Sexton did not play that day but was subsequently banned for three matches for verbally abusing referee Jaco Peyper.
As a result, Sexton joked whether his relationship with his predecessor in the Ireland fly-half jersey had been strained.
“I’ve no idea! Ask him. I’m not sure we’re talking to each other after the European Cup final,” he said.
Sexton also revealed that his son was more pleased than he was by taking the points record and predicated Luca to overtake him in the future.
“I think my little boy will be over the moon, he was talking about it during the week and it probably means more to him. He’ll chase it down now!” he said.
“And so will the other 10s. It’s there to be broken now and I’m sure some young guys will be eyeing it up. Look, I’m very proud to do it but tonight was more about getting the win and moving onto what’s such a massive game now this week.”
Important South Africa match
Ireland’s attentions now turn to the Springboks in a huge clash that may well decide who finishes top in Pool B.
Sexton has impressed in his opening two games since returning from injury and suspension, but the fly-half admits that next Saturday’s encounter is another level up.
“The proof of whether I’m in good form will be next Saturday. You’ve got to go and do it in the games,” he added.
“There’s no point in saying you’re feeling good or whatever. I just take it day by day, make sure I recover well, turn up to training on Monday and Tuesday and try and put the plan in place to take on the reigning world champions.
“They’ve hit a great vein of form and it’s going to be a huge challenge for us but one that we are really excited about and we feel we’re ready for it.”
