Grand finale is still Sexton’s No.1 priority
‘CUP FINAL’ SCENARIO IS HUGE TEST FOR IRELAND
SINCE England do not look capable of beating an egg, Johnny Sexton has challenged Ireland to ensure they do not beat themselves in their Grand Slam game on Saturday
Even with Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrell set to be recalled by England to shore up the listing vessel holed below the waterline by France last weekend, the expectations are that Ireland will be enjoying a stroll by the Liffey.
It has been a long time – if ever – since Ireland have been 1-7 in a two-horse race with England.
Past Irish sides may have been spooked by such heavy favouritism as they chase down what would be a first clean sweep secured on Dublin soil, but for Sexton it is simply a question of the hosts playing like the world’s No.1 team that the rankings say they are. “We’ve come on in leaps and bounds in terms of the mental side of our game and that will be put to the test massively this week,” said the Ireland captain.
“In a cup final, being able to turn up, play your own game, be yourself, express yourself – that’s the biggest challenge in sport. It doesn’t matter what sport you play, the best players and the best teams do that. They can come and play well when it matters so that’s a huge challenge for us this week.”
The mantle of the Six Nations’ leading points scorer is one kick away for Sexton in what will be his final match in the championship.
The 37-year-old is tied with countryman Ronan O’Gara on 557 points ahead of the clash at the Aviva Stadium.
Sexton’s longevity has been remarkable. This will be his 16th game against England.
He said: “I’m very blessed to have the coaches that I have had to put the faith in me post the last World Cup. A lot of other coaches would have said, ‘There’s no chance he can get there’.
“I suppose the longer you go on, the more you want to make the most of it, because you know it’s the last one. You’ve only got a certain amount of games left.
“I haven’t had that sit down to reflect on everything. I’ll leave that to next year.
“It’s not about me this week, it’s about something bigger. It’s about the Grand Slam. It’s about the championship.
“We need to get our best ever performance out there because it’s going to be needed.”
For once, he is wide of the mark. It is inconceivable England can be as poor as they were against France again and Sexton’s men have their injuries, but this Irish side are in a different league.
The Grand Slam – and Sexton’s fairy-tale Six Nations farewell – are there for the taking.