Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
JOHNNY LATELY
Sexton is saving best for last
ANDY Farrell is confident he’ll have a fired up Johnny Sexton at his disposal when Ireland bid for Six Nations glory in October.
Sexton, who turned 35 last month, drew some flak for a below par display in Ireland’s 24-12 defeat to England in their last outing at Twickenham on February 23.
The 91-times capped No10 and world player of the year in 2018 fumbled for George Ford’s opening try and struggled to find his kicking radar in London.
It was an uncharacteristic off-day but Farrell, inset, suspects the talismanic out-half will have benefited from an enforced period of inactivity due to lockdown.
“I’m sure he used his time wisely,” he said. “Regarding how it went for him during the Six Nations, we were all talking about how sensational he was in the first two games.
“Obviously it didn’t go well for the team (against England) and Johnny being a central figure. But he’s certainly never going to give up that fight is he? It’s the way he is.
“He hates coming second best. He hates losing. You know he’s hungry to keep fighting to get more honours and get better and to keep playing for his country.
“Speaking to him, he has been seeing this as an opportunity to recuperate and do some thinking around where he wants to go over the next seasons as well.”
Farrell, whose first campaign as head coach was cut short just three games into the 2020 Six Nations campaign, handed Sexton the captaincy in January.
He impressed in wins over Scotland and Wales, scoring 23 of Ireland’s 43 points across both games, yet questions persist whether his skipper status will last beyond the short term.
“I thought he did a super job and I know he’s continued to lead through this period as well,” said Farrell.
“But like all captaincies, injury prevention is key and form has to come into it and Johnny is more aware (of that) than anyone else.”
Farrell is acutely aware the likes of Sexton have some blockbuster club games on the horizon in the Pro14 and Champions Cup.
Leinster resume their season with an Interpro showdown against Munster on August 22 with the Pro14 knockout stages in early September.
Leo Cullen’s men also have a European quarter-final with Saracens on September 19 with the final of the Champions Cup scheduled for October 17.
Ireland conclude their Six Nations campaign against Italy in Dublin on October 24 and in France on October 31, knowing two bonus point wins would secure the title.
“There’s a little bit of destiny in your own hands, although it will be a tough old task with the games we have to come,” said Farrell.
“All the lads are aware what is coming and it’s there to be won. We’ve got to be hungry and not frightened of that.”