JOHNNY TACKLES BURNING ISSUE
Ireland skipper Sexton voices concern at RFU bid to make game safer
IRELAND captain Johnny Sexton has hit out at the RFU’S unilateral decision to change the legal tackle height next season.
Sexton, who has suffered a series of concussions through his career, believes the move for the game below the top two divisions in England could make it more dangerous.
“I don’t agree with it,” said Sexton. “Of course we need to get the head shots out of the game but the tackles we really need to take out are the reckless, out-of-control, sprinting-out-of-the-line, tucking arms, all of those types of ones.
“It’s not like you can’t get concussed by chopping someone’s knees. I’ve seen a hell of a lot of concussions from people getting their head on the wrong side. So, I strongly disagree.”
Sexton wants the option to tackle at chest level to remain not least to keep the sport accessible to tall players.
“It should be their decision as to how they tackle,” he said.
His stance was backed by Ireland coach Andy Farrell who believes English rugby could be creating a big problem for itself.
“If you are ever just saying to a kid that ‘you need to tackle lower’, then you become even more vulnerable in my opinion,” said Farrell. “If you’re sitting there with your arms in front, trying to wrap, with your head down etc you’re a sitting duck. The coaching and technique of how it’s applied to tackling below the waist is crucial, otherwise we’ll have a serious problem.”
Meanwhile, Sexton joked that a cheekbone problem was the best facial injury to suffer as he declared himself fit for Ireland’s opener against Wales.
The fly-half underwent surgery early this month following a collision with Connacht’s Jarrad Butler while playing for Leinster on New Year’s Day. He missed his province’s last three games, including Champions Cup victories over Gloucester and former club Racing 92, and has been training in a face mask. But the 37-year-old expects to be involved when the world’s number one side launch their campaign in Cardiff on February 4. “I’m good to go. I was training last week, just had a funny face mask on,” said Sexton. “Keep that on this week in training and it comes off next week, so good to go next week.
“At the time the European games were at the forefront of my mind. When you figure out you’re not going to be able to play in them, the Six Nations then comes to mind.
“But from early doors, the surgeon and the doctor were fine and just said it’s probably the best injury to have on your face, so that was nice to know! If you could pick one bone, pick that one.”
Sexton will be 38 by the time of this year’s World Cup in France but remains Ireland’s undisputed first-choice No.10 going into the championship.
Ross Byrne and Jack Crowley have been selected in reserve, with Joey Carbery a shock omission from Andy Farrell’s 37-man squad.
Head coach Farrell said all of his fly-halves have room for improvement as he explained Carbery’s absence.
“I understand it because it’s not as though he’s been playing poorly, his form has been pretty good,” he said of the surprise which greeted his decision.
“There’s been a bit of feedback, like we do with a lot of players who didn’t make the squad, and Joey understands that – 100% Joey will be working away hard to get back in.”