James: Johnny’s a sad miss but we can pick up slack
LEINSTER have moved on from their “divorce” from Johnny Sexton according to James Lowe – and he feels Ireland will do likewise.
The Blues have dealt with some seismic shifts this season, with their captain and talisman
Sexton retiring after
France 2023 and the arrival of double-world Cup winning coach
Jacques Nienaber.
Similarly, Ireland must do without their long-time first choice out-half and Andy Farrell – who named his championship squad yesterday – must also adapt to the loss of Keith Earls to retirement, as well as injured trio Mack Hansen, Jimmy O’brien and Rob Herring.
“It’s weird, it’s like you get divorced or something,” said Lowe, commenting on Sexton’s (inset) departure.
“He’s there but he’s not there. It’s sad, man, because obviously a huge chunk of his life has been here, helping the boys and driving standards, expecting the best of you day in, day
out. and with the trip to Leicester to come on Saturday to complete the Blues’ pool commitments.
“You get to a stage where you actually start missing it. Watching the games on TV, even that La Rochelle game you almost feel sick on the inside just watching it with the nerves.
“It was awesome that the boys could go over there and get the win in horrific conditions. I’m glad to be back playing rugby.”
However, fellow first-choice Test wing Hansen will miss the entire championship.
And, with O’brien also ruled out, Lowe will most likely have a new Six Nations back three colleague to work with, with Calvin Nash expected to be the next man up.
“That right wing position is definitely up for grabs,” he said. “Calvin is playing very, very well. Jordan Larmour is playing very, very well.
“So yeah, it’s interesting but there are definitely people who can fill the void.
“Not having Mack is going to be sad both on the field and off the field because he is a funny old character to have in a team environment.”
Tactically, Lowe feels that the extra linespeed that Nienaber is demanding from Leinster’s defence will be of benefit to Ireland – once everyone gets used to it.
“It is different but then I find we have also added to our own arsenal that we back ourselves and we back our linespeed.
“It’s tough. It’s very, very different but I can understand it and everyone can probably see the benefits of it as well.
“We can marry the two up in a hybrid sort of way. But we will have to wait and see what Simon Easterby wants to do.”
With France first up in the Six Nations in just over a fortnight’s time, there won’t be much time for change.
“We were the two teams that came away from the World Cup bitterly disappointed,” Lowe stressed.
“To have them round one in Marseille is very exciting for both sides and both probably with a bit of a point to prove. I’m looking forward to that but it’s Welford Road first at the weekend. It should be good.”