Ireland reaction (Gibson-Park, captain Sexton)

Ireland reaction (Gibson-Park, captain Sexton)

ON-FIELD REACTION

Jamison Gibson-Park, Mastercard Player of the Match

On what it is like playing in this Ireland team:

"I'm pretty lucky aren't I? The hard work gets done in front of me and I am just thankful to have such a great pack and such a great backline really."

On being on the wing at the end of the match:

"I felt like a fish out of water at one stage but we do a fair bit of work on covering positions in scenarios like that. I have trained a bit there, not to say I felt comfortable. It's incredible to be here, it's an incredible atmosphere and thank our fans for coming out, it's incredible to be a part of."


Johnny Sexton, captain

On the atmosphere:


"I thought it wouldn't get any better after South Africa a couple of week ago but they have proved me wrong again. They keep turning up for us and it is important that we keep turning up for them. Last week they gave us the best day of our life and we gave them something similar if you look around at some of the faces. We are delighted to win the pool, this is where we want to be now in a quarter-final against the toughest opposition we could get. The way the draw was made three years ago it turned out a bit unfair, it is the hand that we were dealt and we have to be ready for New Zealand next week."

On the focus in the team:

"I think we're given the trust by the management to go and enjoy ourselves and our time off so when we come back to work we're refreshed and we're excited to come back to work. Sometimes we live on the edge, sometimes we go a bit too far, I think we were criticised for celebrating after the South Africa. We were allowed, the fans trusted us. We train hard, prepare well."

Latest News