Sexton staying positive ahead of French test

Leinster and Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton believes Ireland can learn from last Saturday’s uninspiring defeat to Scotland.

Speaking to Irish Rugby TV, Sexton was eager to focus on the high points from the first of Ireland’s World Cup warm-up games.

“There were a lot of positives” he said. “A lot of guys with injuries got through really well for the amount of time they've been out.

“Obviously there were a lot of new combinations and a few first caps as well.

“We targeted a win, that was our goal and we fell a little bit short of that so there was disappointment in the changing room but we can take a few positives out of it and we can learn a lot from it and try and progress going forward.”

Regardless of the final score, the St. Mary’s playmaker insists getting match practise is vital to Ireland’s preparations ahead of the greatest challenge in international rugby.

“We've worked hard for the last five or six weeks in training and to get out and play 80 minutes was key for us. It's so important for us to get games under our belt before the World Cup and a lot of us got 80 minutes which would be invaluable [before going to New Zealand].”

Having picked an experimental team for the clash at Murrayfield, a full strength outfit is expected to be announced by coach Declan Kidney on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s meeting with France in Bordeaux.

With so many players involved in this squad rotation system, Sexton recognises the importance of making an impression when selected to play.

“We're obviously not going to play every game,” he said. “So it's just important when you do play you make the most of it. If I get another game in the next three weeks [it's crucial] that I try and do the best I can.

“Hopefully we'll improve on our performances week in week out and that will stand us in good stead for the World Cup.”