There was further HIA discussion this afternoon, as Ireland saw off Wales by 34-10 in the opening game of the 2023 Six Nations at the Millennium Stadium, and concerns over the fitness of Johnny Sexton.
It was a physical game, particularly in the second-half, as Wales found a rhythm and had many ventures into the Irish 22, after being absolutely battered in the opening 40.
The incident in question saw Sexton ship a high and hard hit from Liam Williams, who was given a yellow card for his actions.
According to Irish Independent writer Rúaidhrí O'Connor, the referee said that Johnny Sexton "doesn't seem to know what's going on", only for the Irish medical team to clear him to play on.
Sexton did manage an excellent choke tackle turnover soon after, but was then taken off for Ross Byrne, while he also sported an apparent cut to his forehead.
Johnny Sexton Cleared By Irish Medics In Win Against Wales
The referee says Johnny Sexton "doesn't seem to know what's going on", but the Irish medics have cleared him to continue. He plays on for a phase, wins a turnover, and Ross Byrne comes on
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) February 4, 2023
𝐘𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃 🟨
Liam Williams sent to the bin for a high tackle on Johnny Sexton.#WALvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/f62bkwKmeb— #WALvIRE live on Virgin Media One (@VMSportIE) February 4, 2023
4 February 2023; Irish rugby : Johnny Sexton of Ireland receives medical attention from team doctor Ciaran Cosgrave, right, and team chartered physiotherapist Keith Fox during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Wales and Ireland at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Four Ireland U20s Players Who Made A Big Impression In Their Dominant Six Nations Win Over Wales
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell provided a positive update on the situation and confirmed that Sexton went off with a dead leg and passed the HIA test.
"He came off with a dead leg, and we've done a HIA test on him as well, that's all clear so he's fine."
It is relieving news for Ireland who face France next week at the Aviva Stadium, which is looking like it will be the deciding game in this year's Six Nations Championship.
SEE ALSO: Six Nations: Stephen Ferris On BOD's Roy Keane Similarities And Winning Against Wales In 2009
