Johnny Sexton

Johnny Sexton last 30 minutes of the First Test against New Zealand before another blow to the head ended his 106th Test outing.

It was subsequently confirmed that he had failed the HIA and Joey Carbery remained on, in his place. The footage, and Sexton's reaction, deemed a Head Injury Assessment was required. It was a tough night at the office as Ireland conceded six tries in a 42-19 loss to New Zealand. Such was the momentum of the slip forward that Sexton's head collided off Cane's thigh, too. Such is the early fudge that Ireland find themselves in, we were met with the pre-match sight of former Leinster prop Michael Bent out on the Eden Park pitch for the warm-ups. He will now miss the Second Test, too.

Veteran Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton will now miss the second Test against the All Blacks as per new World Rugby protocols introduced...

Click here for your chance to win. Veteran Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton will now miss the second Test against the All Blacks as per new World Rugby protocols introduced this month. Johnny Sexton to miss second Test against the All Blacks

Sexton was forced off in the first half. Image: Billy Stickland/INPHO. Updated 17 minutes ago. IRELAND SAY THAT Johnny Sexton hasn't yet been ruled ...

He has just passed his HIA 2 so he’s got a HIA 3 to do in the next couple of days and he’s in good form out there.” Sexton did not return to the pitch, with Joey Carbery coming on in his place for the remainder of the game. The 36-year-old was forced off for a Head Injury Assessment [HIA] in the first half of today’s first Test defeat in Auckland due to a head injury.

The All Blacks weathered storms at the start of each half and hit back with six tries to secure a hard-fought but convincing 42-19 win.

The more things change the more they stay the same. Any doubt that lingered owed much to Ringrose’s smart finish in the corner, after Ireland had sent penalties to the corner twice. Trailing 5-0 at the end of the first quarter, the All Blacks scored four tries in the second. They tore into New Zealand as if the match were in Cardiff or Edinburgh. And, as so often in those places, they came away with an early try. In the midst of it all, Sexton took his leave. It amounts to the same thing.

Johnny Sexton's New Zealand tour could be in doubt after the Leinster captain failed a HIA following a knock in the opening Test match of the All Blacks ...

The new concussion protocols that emerged on Friday mean that concussed players must be stood down for a minimum of 12 days. Joey Carbery came on for Sexton after the latter had slipped into Sam Cane in the first half of the game. Johnny Sexton's New Zealand tour could be in doubt after the Leinster captain failed a HIA following a knock in the opening Test match of the All Blacks series.