Six Nations Tournament: Irishman Johnny Sexton awaits the Blues
Irishman Johnny Sexton.
AFP - MICHAEL BRADLEY
Text by: Farid Achache Follow
2 mins
Conductor of the Irish game, opener Johnny Sexton receives the XV of France which travels to Dublin on Saturday February 11 to face Ireland, the world's first nation in the World Rugby ranking.
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"
Johnny is the greatest competitor you've ever seen, he's an incredibly hard worker
," said Clover captain Paul O'Connell at the 2015 World Cup. The former Racing-Métro resident, where he spent two years (2013-2015), set his retirement age at 38, after the next World Cup, in France.
In the meantime, Johnny Sexton is living his 14th and last Six Nations Tournament, before the deadline for his fourth World Cup next fall.
End in style with the 2023 World Cup
“
I am delighted to finally be able to say it.
I beat around the bush for six months, always reluctant to talk about the World Cup when you're not sure you're there
, "said the player when his decision was announced almost a year ago.
Winner of the Six Nations Tournament in 2014 and 2015 then in 2018 with the Grand Slam, he remains one of the key players in Irish rugby.
His qualities - hand or foot game in the distribution - have made him an indisputable choice for the captaincy since the 2019 World Cup.
“
We started a journey four years ago and it will end this year for this group.
Next year, it will be a new group, a new cycle.
We want to give everything to the last drop and have no regrets
,” he said recently.
And to add: “
I have heard of players retiring hoping that their team will do less well.
It's natural, but I want to be able to tell myself that I've finished
(my job)
and done everything I can and then I can support the guys.
»
110 selections on the counter
The XV of Clover started its Tournament ideally with an impressive victory in Cardiff against Wales (10-34).
Sexton, back after a fractured cheekbone, left the pitch after the hour mark. Will the man with 110 caps be out against the Blues?
Irish coach Andy Farrell wants to be reassuring.
The Irish opener was hit in the leg in the 65th minute after colliding with Liam Williams.
"
He should be fine, he had a slight 'dead leg
,'" Farrell says.
Last Saturday, Johnny Sexton still scored twelve points in the inaugural victory in Wales, with a remarkable kicking game (five successful attempts out of five attempted) in a team that made a strong impression.
"
I don't think I've ever been as nervous as before this game
," he admitted after the game.
Victim, at the beginning of November, of a crutch against South Africa, the opener had since played only 63 minutes, during a match between his province, Leinster, and Connacht, before leaving injured at the cheekbone.
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