Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SEXTON: LOWE & BEHOLD
Johnny predicts huge international future for new Irish ‘resident’ James describing him as a special quality who brings X-factor to the game
JOHNNY Sexton has tipped Leinster teammate James Lowe to be a huge success with Ireland after the Kiwi was one of three uncapped players to be included in the squad for the Nations Cup.
The New Zealander qualifies under the three-year residency rule and along with Ulster o u t - h a l f Bi l ly Bu r n s , w h o replaces Ja c k C a r t y, a n d Munster’s promising full-back Shane Daly, are the only new faces in the squad as Andy Farrell resists the temptation to experiment in the new competition.
Sexton reckons Lowe, who Farrell described as ‘a free spirit’ on and off the pitch, will make a big impact with his adopted country after narrowly missing out on an All Black cap.
“He’s thrived for Leinster at the highest club game in terms of Europe and he’s been a huge part of our success over the last three years. He’s added to the environment off the pitch and he’s most definitely added to our performances on the pitch.
“He’s got an X-factor, a bit of special quality about him and if he gets the chance to put on the green jersey I know it will mean a lot to him. It’s not something he will take lightly.
“He will be very proud, from speaking to him. I don’t think he came over here with the sole purpose of trying something new. He seemed to fall in love with t h e p l a c e , h e’s v e r y dedicated to the environment in Leinster and I’m sure he will be the same if he gets the chance to put on the green jersey,” said Sexton.
There are few surprises in the Irish squad as they try pick up the pieces from a disappointing conclusion to the Six Nations and while the Irish management chew over where they need to improve, Sexton is reluctant to assess his first competition as skipper other than to reiterate his desire to continue as captain of his country.
“You’d have to ask someone else. I’m not going to comment on my performance as captain because I don’t like talking about myself but were lessons learned. of course.
“You’re under scrutiny and you’re under a microscope and you’ve got to keep your guard up at all times.
“But, also, you’ve got to be true to yourself and you can’t just change everything about you because there’s some part of that which was the reason why Andy asked me to be captain.
“I just wish that we had performed better on Saturday and won the championship — that ultimately is my biggest regret,” added the 35-year old.