Sexton: We’ll remain grounded

As he sat down in Dublin yesterday to reflect on the November series, Johnny Sexton acknowledged the soaring expectation levels that now accompany this Ireland squad.

After helping Joe Schmidt’s side complete a first autumn clean sweep since 2006 when similar things were expected before a World Cup year, Sexton — bearing the scars from a bang to the head that forced him off late on against Australia — believes that pressure sits relatively easily with the squad.

“The expectation comes from within the camp,” the Racing Metro outhalf said. “You know, we do realise how much it means to people and the high that it gives the country.