Johnny’s Diary: Learning Lessons And Final Preparations
Jonathan Sexton, who will start at out-half for Ireland against France, talks about retrieving his passport before tomorrow’s flight from Dublin Airport and the change of venue for his final place-kicking practice.
The Welsh match was pretty tough to take, not least losing to that last minute penalty. We had put ourselves in a position to win the game.
In matches like that the boost you get from winning ugly can be hugely beneficial because you acknowledge the element of good fortune but know that there is so much to improve on. Unfortunately we didn’t secure the result.
The decision to cancel the Captain’s Run at the Stade de France, because of the bad weather, means that I won’t get a chance to practise place-kicking in the stadium ahead of the game.
I played about 20 minutes of the last match between France and Ireland there two years ago but didn’t take a place-kick in the time I was on the field. I don’t see it as a huge issue.
It’s an enclosed stadium, unlike some we played in during the World Cup where the layout meant that wind became a big factor. The French have found us an Astroturf surface on which to practise so I’ll be able to indulge in the usual practice routine.
It’s important that we don’t dwell on the Welsh match but rather take the lessons forward and make sure we learn from them. As a player it is so important to look forward. We can still win the Championship.
I’m off to watch the Leinster game and catch up with some of the lads before returning to the hotel and preparing for tomorrow’s journey. I also have to nip home prior to heading for the RDS because I forgot to bring my passport!
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Johnny’s Diary: Clay Pigeons, Kickers’ Lunch And Exams
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