Johnny Sexton: 'We didn't play our best rugby but that's a pleasing thing'

Sexton has hailed Ireland’s ability to ‘grit it out’ against South Africa. Even more pleasing for the skipper was the fact that the hosts did it without playing their best rugby

LEADING THE WAY: Ireland's Johnny Sexton celebrates with head coach Andy Farrell after the game. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Johnny Sexton has hailed Ireland’s ability to ‘grit it out’ against South Africa’s reigning world champions. Even more pleasing for the skipper was his declaration that the hosts did it without playing their best rugby.

Saturday’s meeting between two of the world’s top sides lived up to the pre-match expectations with Ireland edging the game on a 19-16 scoreline. The four tries were shared evenly with Sexton missing four points from the tee and his counterpart seven.