Keatley happy to learn off expert as Ireland toil before flourishing

Ian Keatley expects Johnny Sexton to reclaim Ireland’s 
No 10 jersey – but claimed he fully deserves to as “one of the best out-halves in the world”.
Ireland beat Italy in Rome.Ireland beat Italy in Rome.
Ireland beat Italy in Rome.

Keatley posted a 100 per cent goal-kicking record on his Six Nations debut as Ireland eased past Italy with a staccato performance in Rome.

The 27-year-old conceded Sexton should start against France on Saturday, however, with the Racing Metro playmaker finally free to return after an enforced 12-week concussion lay-off.

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Keatley declared “you need Johnny Sexton in your team” in accepting his fate for France’s Dublin visit – but refused to give up on his Test dream despite a refreshingly frank personal appraisal.

“To be honest Johnny’s done so well over the last three or four years he deserves the position,” said Keatley.

“He’s one of the best out-halves in the world so to be honest I presume that he’s going to be straight in there for the French match, even though he hasn’t played in a while.

“He’s still been keeping fit and you need Johnny Sexton in your team.

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“I can take a lot of confidence from playing in Italy, but also I need to know where I want to get to.”

Ireland boss Schmidt admitted he felt nerves caught Keatley out at several stages during his fourth Test cap at the Stadio Olimpico.

Two tries in three minutes while Leonardo Ghiraldini was in the sin-bin saved Ireland at the start of their title defence.

Conor Murray and Tommy O’Donnell sneaked scores while hooker Ghiraldini was off, after Ireland had laboured with scant return in a tryless first hour.

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Sean O’Brien suffered a hamstring injury in the warm-up, so the luckless Leinster flanker’s wait for his first Test action since November 2013 goes on. The 27-year-old will be a doubt for Ireland’s second-round clash with France in Dublin next weekend.

New Zealand-born Kelly Haimona scored Italy’s only points.