Jonny Sexton v France – 2018 Six Nations
The 2018 NatWest Six Nations saw Ireland secure their first Grand Slam since 2009, ending a nine-year wait for a clean sweep of the opposition. Ireland also won the competition for the first time since 2015, putting an end to England’s back-to-back run as Six Nations Champions. However, hopes of a Grand Slam looked diminished before the competition had hit full swing, as Ireland trailed 13-12 to France in the final play of round one.
Ireland started out on an attack, but had a long way to go as the French drew their battle lines high up on the half way line. Metre by metre, Ireland edged forward, hoping for a crack in the wall or to draw in a penalty. The resolved and structured ‘Les Bleus’ gave Ireland no such joy, so Ireland looked to their captain to make the decisive act to win the match.
With no other way through, Sexton called for the ball from 45m out. French defenders could not believe the audacity of the fly half, ‘surely he won’t try that from there?’ But Sexton did, and he unleashed a monstrous drop goal, which sailed through the St. Etienne sky, and over the posts for an unforgettable Ireland win.
Joe Schmidt’s men then hit top gear for the rest of the tournament, recording bonus point wins against the remaining four nations on route to the Six Nations and Triple Crown trophies.