Sexton to lead Ireland out against All-Blacks

IRELAND’S all-time record points scorer Jonathan Sexton has been named to start in a gigantic test against New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Multiple records have fallen to the St Mary’s College star since the tournament kicked-off in September, and he will captain Ireland into battle with All Blacks at the Stade de France in Paris.

In the group stages, Sexton became the oldest men’s international player when Ireland battered Romania 82-8 in the opening round and he appears to be at his very best.

Further Irish World Cup records fell to Sexton in the opener, matching David Humphreys for the most points scored in a match with 24 (two tries and seven conversions) and becoming the all-time leading points scorer with 102.

Since then, across great battles with Tonga, South Africa and Scotland, Sexton has brought his points tally up to 129 in World Cup matches.

38-year-old Sexton captained the boys in green through the group stage with great cadence, acting like the conductor of the orchestra to top Pool A with four wins from four.

Mack Hansen and Clondalkin Rugby Club registered player James Lowe have also been given the nod to start against the All Blacks, after passing fitness tests earlier in the week.

Between their first meeting in 1905 and 2016, Ireland did not record a single win across 28 games against New Zealand.

However, after finally breaking the duck in 2016, Ireland have gone on to record five victories, ultimately toppling them at the summit of the world rankings.

A win against New Zealand on Saturday night will pit Andy Farrell’s side up against the winners of Wales and Argentina in the semi-finals on October 20.

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