Ireland in 'pretty good shape' in post-Sexton era

PARIS - Two-time defending Six Nations rugby champions Ireland are in "good shape", though it is disappointing that the question of who should fill the pivotal fly-half role vacated by Johnny Sexton is yet to be settled a year on, former Irish international Hugo MacNeill told AFP.

The Irish ended 2024 by winning three of their four November Tests, after a disappointing defeat by New Zealand in their opening match put an end to their 19-match winning run at home.

However, their performances were marked by uncharacteristic ill-discipline and handling errors.

Nevertheless, the character they showed in edging out Argentina and Australia by the same scoreline, 22-19, pleased coach Andy Farrell. In the Australia game, they came back from 13-5 down at halftime.

Farrell will take a leave of absence to coach the British and Irish Lions and the responsibility of the defence of their Six Nations crown falls on one of his long-time assistants, Simon Easterby.