Rugby World Cup: Semi-final previews
Legendary Ireland captain Johnny Sexton bowed out of rugby last weekend when his side were knocked out of the Rugby World Cup, and his retirement may not have panned out exactly as he had hoped when touching down in France for the tournament. The captain was keen to end his 14-year career on a high by guiding his nation to victory, but a 28-24 loss to New Zealand crushed those dreams. Express Sport takes a look at how Sexton’s retirement panned out…
Post-match tempers flare
Following the defeat at the hands of the All Blacks, Sexton appeared overcome with emotion as he shook the hands of his rivals and was consoled by his teammates. However, that came to an abrupt end when he crossed paths with New Zealand’s Rieko Ioane.
Sexton had to be held back from his opponent as he attempted to confront him on an issue, with many questioning what caused the outburst by the Ireland star. It has since emerged that Ioane taunted the Irish supporters in the stands after the full-time whistle sounded, cupping his ears at the crowd, prompting Sexton to try and defend his adoring supporters.
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Emotional exit
After the Ioane situation diffused, Sexton was given the opportunity to finally let the moment sink in and bow out in style. The flyhalf was visibly distraught by the nature of the defeat but was consoled by his son on the pitch in a tear-jerking moment. As he left the pitch, Sexton was told: “You’re still the best dad,” in an emotional moment that captured the hearts of fans at home.
Airplane antics
Despite the disappointment of losing on Sunday, some of the Ireland players attempted to brighten the spirits of the squad at the expense of Sexton on their flight home. Jack Conan was at the heart of the antics, taking control of the intercom to urge Ireland players and fans to meet with the nation’s captain on the flight.
In a clip shared on social media, Conan can be heard saying: “Everyone move up and congratulate [Sexton] personally. Make it single-file. Come up and give him a pat on the back, a hug and a kiss – he’d love that. He’ll be over the moon. [He’ll] take photos, answer questions, anything you want, Johnny is just delighted to meet everyone. He has all the time today for everyone. Please take your time, come up and say hello to him. He is just so ecstatic about it all.”
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New Zealand’s parting shot
New Zealand coach Ian Foster aimed a parting shot at Sexton earlier this week, just days after dumping Ireland out of the World Cup. He was asked about the incident involving Ioane but opted to make a dig about how Sexton was given a three-match ban for his complaints with the officials after last season’s Champions Cup final.
“It happens on most sporting parks when tensions are high and a lot at stake,” Foster said. “Unfortunately recently it’s also included players saying a few things to referees. Is it right for the game? I don’t know. You don’t hear a lot of players complaining about it.”
New Zealand’s parting shot
New Zealand coach Ian Foster aimed a parting shot at Sexton earlier this week, just days after dumping Ireland out of the World Cup. He was asked about the incident involving Ioane but opted to make a dig about how Sexton was given a three-match ban for his complaints with the officials after last season’s Champions Cup final.
“It happens on most sporting parks when tensions are high and a lot at stake,” Foster said. “Unfortunately recently it’s also included players saying a few things to referees. Is it right for the game? I don’t know. You don’t hear a lot of players complaining about it.”
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