Johnny Sexton gave an amusing response where he played off the typical interview soundbites that players come out with. In the wake of Ireland securing an historic series victory over the All Blacks in Wellington, he gave a remarkably measured interview with Sky Sports.
In it he savoured the achievement but also acknowledged that it won't count for anything by the time next year's World Cup rolls around. And when the interviewer wrapped things up by asking him how they'd celebrate the occasion this evening, he gave a wry smile and said: "Ah it'll be quiet. We have to er, recover."
The Ireland fly-half, who turned 37 this week, continues to defy the ageing process as he was fantastic throughout this decisive test. He only missed two kicks at goal and one of them was from the half-way line and struck the bar.
Read more: New Zealand 22-32 Ireland: Andy Farrell's men clinch historic series win in Wellington
But aside from that he was his usual influential self as he orchestrated Ireland's attack which had Kiwi defenders scrambling throughout the first half in particular as Ireland ran in three tries through Josh van der Flier, Hugo Keenan and Robbie Henshaw. The latter's try was especially impressive as a beautiful loop off a set-piece sliced through their defence and put the centre through completely untouched.
Celebrating the final whistle (Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland)
While Sexton couldn't do anything to stop flyer Will Jordan as he sped past en route to the corner to cap off a 70 metre dart, he also put in plenty of tackles as Ireland had to show their defensive solidity more in the second half with the All Blacks finally finding some form. And once sub Rob Herring acrobatically finished off a lineout maul, Ireland never looked too troubled as they maintained their two-score lead to the final whistle, reports the Irish Mirror.
As tends to happen given his age, Sexton did ship a knock or two and was replaced for the final few minutes by Joey Carbery. But his brief as a spectator wasn't too stressful as he could be seen smiling away with the rest of our bench as the clock ticked towards 80 minutes.
It was also notable in those moments that while the younger contingent were jumping for joy, Sexton was also shown shaking his head in disbelief. This sense of shock was also apparent as another one of the older guard in Peter O'Mahony broke down in tears.
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