WALES WARY OF ‘ANGRY MAN’ SEXTON

NUMEROUS coffees have been shared between Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Sexton in the cafes of Paris, but all cordialities will be pushed aside when Wales take on Ireland this weekend. Roberts describes Sexton, the Ireland No 10 and his Racing Metro team-mate, as an ‘angry man’ who has become one of the world’s finest players under Ronan O’Gara. Wales will be keeping close tabs on the fly-half on Saturday and Roberts plans to use his inside knowledge to minimise the 29-year-old’s impact at the Millennium Stadium. ‘We are good mates in Paris and he’s a guy who demands high standards,’ said Roberts. ‘He’s an angry man. The first time I played with him — I remember it well — was on the Lions tour and he was shouting his head off at me and barking orders. It took me by surprise. ‘He’s a bloody good player and a very clever thinker about the game. He’s got Ronan O’Gara as his mentor in Paris, who is helping him develop into a wonderful player. He is the commander-inchief of their team and a guy we need to stay one step ahead of.’ Few have attracted such praise during this year’s Six Nations as Sexton, who has overcome a hamstring injury and is expected to be named in Ireland’s starting XV today. The Leinsterman has an allround repertoire but his kicking has been particularly important. ‘They are happy to put bombs up in our 22 if they have to,’ said Roberts (right). ‘They always come up with a trick or two so we have to be prepared for that. You’ve seen them have a two or threephase set-play where they bring their full-back near a ruck after phase three or something like that. Joe Schmidt is a clever coach. It’s who blinks first, but it’s also who dares, wins. ‘These big games are like chess and you try to work each other out. ;On a personal note there have been more lows than highs against them and that’s something I am keen to rectify. ‘I’ll never forget watching Ireland win the Grand Slam in our stadium in 2009. That is one of those moments in your career that motivates you.’