Johnny Sexton: My miss was making of Joe Schmidt’s Ireland

Jonathan Sexton believes his failure to land a crucial, late penalty against New Zealand in Dublin three years ago has helped make him a better place-kicker.

And the Leinster out-half credits that agonising defeat with laying the foundations for everything Joe Schmidt’s Ireland team has achieved — most notably two Six Nations titles and a first ever win in South Africa — in the time since.

Ireland were 22-17 to the good with just six minutes to play against the All Blacks in 2013 when Sexton stood over a gettable kick that would have left the hosts more than a try in front. The commentator on New Zealand TV actually described it as “a meat and drink” kick. His subsequent miss left the door ajar and the world champions duly pounded through it.