Sexton still 'hurt' by World Cup memories

Jonathan Sexton may be enjoying a fine season at Leinster but the Dubliner admitted he still suffers when he thinks back to his performance at the 2011 World Cup.

Sexton entered the World Cup as Ireland’s first choice flyhalf but poor form with the boot saw him surrender the number 10 jersey to Ronan O’Gara by the time Ireland’s final Pool C game against Italy arrived.

Four months on the St. Mary’s man has regained his starting spot and he understands that he must move on from the disappointment of New Zealand.

“I beat myself up a bit at the time,” Sexton said.

“Obviously I place-kicked poorly in a couple of games. That can happen to any place-kicker. Unfortunately it happened to me on the world stage in the two biggest games of my career.

“It still doesn’t sit well with me that it happened then, something I’d been building up towards for a couple of years. It still hurts but I’ve tried to move on.

“That’s life. You move on from it. I’ve a lot of good people around me. That’s the fact of the matter. Now I want to play in the Six Nations and do well.”

With the talismanic Brian O’Driscoll unavailable as he recovers from a shoulder operation, much of the pre-tournament focus has been on the number 13 jersey which Keith Earls will wear on Sunday.

Sexton has operated admirably without O’Driscoll for Leinster but with Earls edging out McFadden in the battle for outside centre, the flyhalf must adjust to a new-look midfield.

While he admits O’Driscoll’s absence is a blow, Sexton has faith in Earl’s ability.

“I don’t think I’ve played a game for Ireland without Brian at 13.”

“But we’re going to have to get used to it. He’s not going to be around for the championship.

“I know we have great players coming in. Keith is a Lion. He’s an outstanding player. He has attributes no other player in Ireland has.

“We’ll miss certain parts of Brian’s game but hopefully we can all raise our game in his absence.”