The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Sexton backed as possible replacement for Farrell
Johnny Sexton has been tipped to fill the void if Owen Farrell misses the British and Irish Lions’ first Test through injury.
Flanker Sean O’Brien said his Ireland team-mate Sexton will be unfazed by Farrell’s injury scare, with the England playmaker fighting a quadriceps strain.
Farrell is a serious doubt for the Lions’ first game against New Zealand in Auckland on June 24, but O’Brien believes the tourists can cope even if they lose one of their top stars.
Sexton will start today’s Maori All Blacks clash at fly-half and will be itching to prove his Test-match mettle all over again.
Head coach Warren Gatland has hailed Sexton for regaining his “mojo”, and O’Brien agreed the Leinster star is edging back towards top form.
“Johnny was really sharp against the Crusaders and it was probably a difficult game to come into as well off the bench, but he was up to speed straight away,” said O’Brien of Sexton’s fine showing in the 12-3 Crusaders win.
“He did look sharp and he was crisp again, and bossing us around like Johnny does. You know he’s on it when he’s giving out to you a lot.
“You give Johnny a bit of a cuddle sometimes and he perks back up and gets his head back in the game.
“He’s a competitor, and someone who doesn’t like losing, and that can be tough.
“As someone said he probably puts pressure on himself at times, but I wouldn’t have him any other way. I’d rather him barking and yapping at us than not saying a word.”