Sexton, driving force of the Irish All Blacks

AS THE bars in Ballsbridge began to thin out in the early hours of Sunday morning, a welloiled, middle-aged Leinster supporter stumbled out of one offering the ultimate in acclamation.

“We are,’’ he shouted, “The All Blacks of Europe.’’

Indeed they are, undisputedly the best non-Test team in the Northern Hemisphere. It could also be said with increasing conviction that they are driven by the best player in both hemispheres, Johnny Sexton.

A perfectionist in the Jonny Wilkinson mould, Ireland’s fly-half did more than anyone else to ensure that the Scarlets, for all their invention, would have no option but to surrender the PRO14 title long before the end of last week’s final.

In doing so he moved an Englishman to acknowledge that Sexton is out on his own.

According to Leinster’s senior coach Stuart Lancaster, the Dubliner is ‘probably the best player’ he has coached.

Given that the Cumbrian had, by his own admission, coached ‘some brilliant players in England’ that really was saying something.

Lest he left anyone in any doubt, Lancaster spoke of Sexton’s ‘ability to see the game, his knowledge of the game, his ability to inspire others to get the best out of them, his drive to succeed. His drive to be the best he can be is what sets him apart’.