No fairytale ending but Johnny Sexton can be proud of 'world-class' career, says Dan Carter 

The All Blacks legend was full of praise for Ireland and New Zealand as he reflected on their World Cup epic. 

PERFECT 10: Dan Carter, was speaking at a launch event in Elm Park Golf Club as Golf Ireland and ISPS Handa announced a new partnership. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Dan Carter doesn't presume to speak for Johnny Sexton. The All Black legend may have been in Sexton’s neighbourhood yesterday but all he would offer when asked how his now-retired Irish counterpart might face into the next chapter was to turn the spotlight on himself and his own transition post-rugby.

The Kiwi has dipped his finger in a variety of pies since hanging up the boots with a second World Cup medal in 2015 and he was in Dublin yesterday to launch a partnership between Golf Ireland and ISPS Handa to grow participation for golfers with disability.

Sexton’s next step will be taken as commercial manager for the Ardagh Group, a sustainable packaging supplier, but there will inevitably be talk of him utilising that renowned rugby intellect on the other side of the white line for years to come such was his influence with Leinster, Ireland and the Lions.

Carter’s career spanned 13 years and it was only when he stepped off the roller coaster that he realised how intense the ride had been. He embraced the opportunity to spend more quality time with his family but stressed again that his route might not be for everyone.

"It's hard to speak on behalf of Johnny and what his future looks like because only he knows what's going to give him the fulfilment and happiness that he needs post-rugby,” said Carter.

"But through this time for Johnny, it's probably one of the first times he's been able to sit back and reflect on what he did, both in the blue and the green jersey, and when he does that he should be really proud and satisfied.

"I know initially he'll be disappointed with not going out on a fairytale finish but what he has achieved is world-class. To be performing at the highest level right up until his last game is not something that every rugby player can do, so he should be really proud of everything that he's achieved.” 

That extended, he said, to the manner in which he was able to absorb the effects of a serious groin injury sustained last March and which, when allied to a suspension, kept the Ireland captain out of action through to the opening game of the World Cup.

Ultimately, though, Sexton and Ireland fell short, agonisingly so against New Zealand in that epic quarter-final when Ian Foster’s side soaked up 37 phases of Irish play before Sam Whitelock earned the crucial penalty with the 80 minutes already spent.

“I was so impressed with both teams. The accuracy of the Irish side, to string together that many phases at such a crucial nerve-racking, high-pressured situation just goes to show the strength of that side. And for the All Blacks, just to trust their system, not to give away a penalty and back themselves.

“It was such an epic ending to one of the best Test matches that has been played. Really proud of the team. They were challenged defensively on a number of occasions by the Irish side and to have that trust in each other and patience at a big moment like that was really important.” 

Carter has been granted rare witness to this New Zealand team’s journey. Along with other legends, including Richie McCaw, Conrad Smith, Kevin Mealamu and Liam Messam, he has been invited to spend time in camp before and during the tournament.

Things looked bleak for the three-time winners when they shipped a record 37-5 loss to the Springboks – who they meet in Saturday’s final – in their last warm-up, in Twickenham two months ago, but Carter never lost the faith.

He was quoted in the aftermath of that tie pointing out the fact that the Kiwis had played much of the game with 14 players and that they hadn’t quite been ‘on it’ mentally on the night but plenty of others have long harboured serious doubts.

If that Bok thrashing was worrying then it was their 2-1 series loss at home to Ireland last summer that really had hands wringing down there and Carter offered a smile when asked if maybe Ireland should be credited with much of what the All Blacks have done since.

“Yeah, there are a few things that brought a bit of added motivation to that. The Irish, of course, caused a lot of pain to New Zealand fans over a number of years. Even if you go back to Chicago. They have been a dominant team over the All Blacks for the majority of time going back to 2016.

“I know as a player that it hurts and a lot of All Black legends are finishing after this World Cup. You look at Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles. These are guys who were there in Chicago and part of that Test series loss last year so there is a lot of hurt and underlying motivation in that performance as well.”