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Jonny Sexton speaks to the media after Racing's win over Toulouse. Racing Metro

‘Très content’ Sexton ready to lead Ireland’s Six Nations charge

The out-half gave his national coach a moment of extreme worry after shipping two hefty blows in the space of 10 seconds.

THE SLAPPED-ON GEL in Jonny Sexton’s hair told the story of a hefty blow he took to the head in Racing Métro’s 25-5 win over Toulouse.

On 47 minutes, and with Racing leading 25-0, Sexton shipped a huge shoulder barge from Census Johnston and was deliberately targeted on the turf by Samoa’s Joe Tekori. The lock connected a lusty blow, with his knee, off Sexton’s head. Tekori was sent to the sin bin while Sexton received on-pitch treatment for over a minute.

He recovered sufficiently as Racing chased an elusive try-scoring bonus point and was substituted with six minutes to play. Toulouse got a consolation try as Sexton, speaking post match, lamented the concession of a late score after 79 minutes of good defence.

The 28-year-old scored a try after five minutes and set up teammate Mike Phillips for another first half score. He played superbly throughout and earned the praise of Toulouse coach Guy Novés afterwards.

YouTube credit: Ballboll81

Sexton’s assessment of his personal impact on the victory, which temporarily moved Racing into the top six in the league, was modest.

He praised the Racing pack for providing front-foot ball all afternoon and allowing both himself and Phillips to set plays in motion. Sexton believes the Parisian side are more than capable of finishing their season strongly to guarantee a place in next season’s Heineken Cup.

He said, “We showed some better things tonight as everybody did their job. If the team plays better, it is easier for me.”

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Toulouse forward Joe Tekori is forgiven by Racing coach Laurent Travers at the final whistle.

Racing coach Laurent Labit has targeted four home wins and ‘one or two’ triumphs away from home to achieve a top four, play-off finish. Victories, in the evening kick-offs, for Montpellier and Grenoble saw Racing drop back to eight but eminently winnable games against struggling Perpignan [away] and Bayonne [home] await.

Sexton will return to Ireland this evening and link-up with his international teammates at Carton House. Ireland team manager Mick Kearney is set to give the next fitness update on Tuesday but Sexton’s name should not feature on any watchlists. After an injury-stunted Six Nations last year, the out-half will be eager to start against Scotland next weekend and go from there.

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