Johny Sexton’s accusation is that the All Blacks’ humility is just an act.
Almost exactly a year has passed since the memorable World Cup quarter-final between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France. The All Blacks ended up narrowly and somewhat fortunately beating Ireland in a dramatic duel. Now the statements from ex-Ireland representative Jonathan Sexton are causing a stir. The captain of the then World Cup team makes serious allegations against the All Blacks in his book.
Johnny Sexton published a book exactly a year after his career ended, so far nothing unusual. But the 118-time Ireland international didn’t mince his words when writing his autobiography “Obsessed”, on the contrary. In particular, his statements about the events after his Irish team lost 24-28 in the quarterfinals are now causing a stir.
Because according to Sexton, he had to endure insults from the All Blacks after the last penalty for the All Blacks, which Sexton believes was a bad decision. Rieko Ioane’s words in particular remained in the ears of the former Irish connector. “Don’t miss your flight tomorrow, you…” – this remark from Ioane, coupled with what is generally perceived as the worst insult in English by the All Black and the smug remark that he should enjoy his retirement, allows Sexton to come to a conclusion.
The quarter-finals could hardly have ended more dramatically – Rieko Ioane probably rubbed salt into the Irish’s wounds after the triumph
The supposed humility of the All Blacks, who reportedly pursue a “no dickheads policy” and do not nominate assholes, is largely just an act. In fact, All Blacks coaches and ex-players repeatedly emphasize that as an All Black you have to meet certain standards – for example, the All Blacks themselves are always the ones who clean their dressing room after games.
Ioane’s attack and the course of the game, which ended up being like a blow to the Irish after a strong performance, left Sexton with deep wounds. Sexton, who made it to World Player of the Year but never made it past the World Cup quarter-finals, said he would never watch the game again.
However, in his book, Sexton also praises several other All Blacks who proved themselves to be real sportsmen at the moment of triumph. Sexton particularly highlights the Barrett brothers and Ardie Savea, all of whom found words of comfort for Sexton afterwards. The Sexton chapter has been closed since his retirement, but the reality between Ireland and New Zealand lives on.
Both teams will face each other again on November 8th (9:10 p.m. German time, live on ProSieben Maxx). It remains to be seen to what extent Rieko Ioane will receive a friendly reception in Dublin.
