Joy of Sex is winning not gongs

IRELAND captain Johnny Sexton insists he would rather beat Australia than be crowned world player of the year.

The superstar fly-half (above) declared himself fit to face the Wallabies after missing last weekend’s underwhelming 35-17 success over Fiji due to a dead leg.

Influential Sexton has guided his country to a Six Nations Triple Crown, a historic tour win in New Zealand, the top of the global rankings and victory over world champions South Africa this year.

He was previously named World Rugby’s player of the year in 2018 but, ahead of Saturday’s autumn finale in Dublin, said he is more interested in producing on the field than individual accolades.

The 37-year-old has been shortlisted for the award alongside Ireland and Leinster team-mate Josh van der Flier, South Africa centre Lukhanyo Am and France captain Antoine Dupont.

On his nomination, Sexton said: “It’s always nice to be recognised like that, I’m not going to lie.

“It’s not something you go searching for, but to be recognised in that area is very special.

“I would prefer a win and to play well on Saturday than win that, because ultimately, at the end of the day, recognition is all about opinion.

“Whereas what you produce on Saturday is what you see and it’s the only thing you can control. All my focus is on that and to be recognised is enough.”