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Ireland icon Ronan O’Gara has claimed that Johnny Sexton should have been substituted off in his final game before retirement, during the 28-24 Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand. The 38-year-old played the entire 80 minutes as he called it a day on his illustrious career, but O’Gara believes that Jack Crowley may have given them a better chance at overcoming the All Blacks.
O’Gara has insisted that veteran fly-half Sexton was hampered by fatigue in the closing stages of the game, as he had slowed down to a walking pace with the Irish on the verge of exiting the tournament. Munster star Crowley has impressed in his limited opportunities but stayed on the bench as head coach Andy Farrell opted to stick with Sexton to close out his career.
“Farrell placed a massive emphasis on depth but the elephant in the room was always the support behind Johnny Sexton,” O’Gara wrote for the Irish Examiner. “Watching that quarter-final back, Johnny Sexton was borderline miraculous to still be on the field late on, but he was blunted by fatigue, so even for a change of pace Crowley was surely the play.
“We don’t know how the Munster man might manage the knockout moments because there is no point of reference for Ireland beyond the quarter-final. But it was surely time to find out.”
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Crowley only played a handful of minutes in France, partly due to Ireland’s strong pool, before facing New Zealand in their first knockout stage match. He starred for Munster on their way to a surprising United Rugby Championship victory and O’Gara felt that he should have been given an opportunity while Sexton was tiring.
But Sexton, who kicked a penalty and two conversions, stayed on as Crowley was the only substitute not to get onto the pitch. Ireland went in search of a desperate late try that would have sealed their place in the semi-finals.
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Sexton saw out the final moments of his career on the field before penning an emotional statement on social media after his retirement. “To the supporters of Leinster, Racing, the British & Irish Lions and Ireland – with whom I was proud to share my journey – thank you for your faith and unwavering support,” wrote Sexton.
“To my family, my parents, brothers and sister who nurtured my love of the game and instilled my drive, I couldn’t have made this journey without you.
“Finally to my wife Laura and our children, your unconditional love helped inspire me through the ups and downs of life and I am incredibly excited about our next chapter together. By far my proudest moments were getting to play with my kids watching on.”
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