Johnny Sexton: Ireland must ‘pick and choose’ when to run against New Zealand

Sexton has said more conservative approaches than Ireland's 60-5 victory over Japan were not off the table against the All Blacks

Johnny Sexton: Ireland will have to be clinical in taking their chances against New Zealand on Saturday. Picture: Inpho/Gary Carr

Johnny Sexton was as satisfied as any Ireland supporter by his side’s attacking display against Japan but he bridles at the suggestion it is a recent development, or that Andy Farrell’s team will abandon more pragmatic ways to win Test matches.

Ireland gave their captain the perfect tribute on his 100th cap last Saturday as they turned on the style to win 60-5 at Aviva Stadium, eschewing the box kick and narrow offense for keeping the ball in hand and off the floor and playing the full width of the pitch.