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Ireland's Sexton happy to 'get back on the horse' at World Cup

Kobe  - World Player of the Year Jonathan Sexton said Ireland were delighted to secure a bonus-point, 35-0 win over Russia on Thursday after last week's shock upset to Japan.

The flyhalf, captaining his country for the first time, oversaw three tries before withdrawing at half-time, after which Andrew Conway got the crucial fourth touchdown in the 61st minute.

"We're delighted to get back on the horse after last week and to pick up the bonus point was exactly what we're looking for tonight," said Sexton.

"And pleased to keep them to zero. They are a very well-organised team and they made life difficult for us at times."

After their 19-12 defeat by hosts Japan, the win keeps Ireland well in the hunt for one of the two quarter-final spots available in Pool A. Their final pool game is against Samoa on October 12.

"The conditions were very difficult. The ball was very slippy, so very pleased to get the five points. Lots to work on and onto Samoa now. It's a big game for us to finish off the pool," Sexton said.

Coach Joe Schmidt warned that Samoa could be a tough proposition for Ireland, especially in Japan's hot, humid conditions which have made handling difficult and tested fitness to the limit.

"Samoa will be tough. I spent a fair bit of time in Samoa myself and I know how humid it is there. So these conditions ... they are a little bit more acclimatised than we are," he said.

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