Sexton and Jackson dovetail to great effect as Ireland build momentum ahead of Cardiff task

IRELAND 19 9

Johnny Sexton and Paddy Jackson have been backed to form a playmaking duo capable of guiding Ireland to an RBS Six Nations title decider with England.

Ireland lock Iain Henderson has tipped fly-halves Sexton and Jackson to dovetail to clinical effect in the clash against Wales in Cardiff on 10 March.

Joe Schmidt’s men have wrestled back a level of control in their Six Nations campaign thanks to Saturday’s 19-9 win over France in Dublin.

Now a victory in Wales could line up a winner-takes-all clashwithenglandattheaviva Stadium on 18 March, and Henderson believes the combination of fit-again Sexton and Jackson boosts Ireland’s resources.

“Johnny gives confidence to the team and has massive experience,” said Henderson.

“The boys were all happy with Paddy’s performance in Italy but obviously Johnny has a lot of experience, big-game experience, and a lot of time playing outside Conor Murray.

“It was great to see him come through the France game unscathed and for Jacko to finish it off as well.

“It’s fantastic when you have two fly-halves that everyone has massive confidence in. They can interchange, come on and off and both run the game really well.

“I think it’s a really big asset for Ireland to have Paddy on the bench, he’s not only playing well but also everyone’s got massive confidence in him.

“Johnny’s massively competitive, and there’s always pressure on him and I’m sure when he sees Jacko doing well that just makes him want to get back all the quicker. They work well together and bounce really well off each other.”

Scrum-half Murray nipped in for the only try on Saturday, with Sexton kicking 11 points in his first game in a month following a calf injury. Jackson slotted a late penalty in a tidy cameo, as Ireland repelled France’s constant threat.

“The Cardiff game will be tough, and Wales will be coming all guns blazing,” added Henderson, “especially after a defeat in Scotland that they’ll be upset about.”

0 Johnny Sexton: 11 points