Northern Hemisphere’s best: Jonny Sexton

He has long been compared to the maestro that came before him Ronan O’Gara but Jonathan Sexton is beginning to rubber stamp his credentials as the most integral part of Joe Schmidt’s side and the best player in the Northern Hemisphere. Sexton was shortlisted for World player of the year, a decision that many in the rugby world questioned at the time and he may not have won it but was he to win it this year few people would have any complaints.

Sexton arrived on the International scene with the almost impossible job of replacing Ireland’s beloved ROG, the best tactical kicker and place kicker we may have ever seen but Sexton has stepped into the role and made it his own. The Racing Metro man has gone from making fans sweat as he stepped up to the kicking tee to everyone almost turning away after the award of a penalty anywhere in the opposition half in expectance that the number 10 will slot it over.

Not only is Sexton a well assured place kicker these days but his all round play is nothing short of brilliant. His performance against England in defence was impeccable, he appeared to be everywhere and his tackle on George Ford in which he floored his opposite number was a perfect example of the effect Sexton was having on the game. Not only was his defensive game on point but his playmaking on the day was fantastic, everytime he got the ball near either wing you felt he was about to make something happen.

Jonny Sexton is now well established as the best number 10 in the northern hemisphere and may well have a claim for best in the world should he keep his form going into the World Cup. When looking at his performances against France and England it must also be noted that he had the weight of almost an entire country on his back and he was not fazed in the slightest, he accepted the responsibility and played like a leader out on the field, the sign of a great player.

Its not just Irish people who are raving about the kicker, English media were so impressed by the performance of Sexton against their own side that the Telegraph suggested that Sexton could lead the Irish to World Cup glory. New Zealand media who are also paying a lot of attention to the Six Nations have been very impressed with the Irish side as a whole and in particular Sexton but of course were not getting too carried away with the thoughts of the Irish side being any real threat to their World Cup crown.

The 29-year-old looks almost destined to be named player of the tournament in this years Six Nations should he and Ireland continue their form in the remaining two games. Joe Schmidt has instilled a great confidence in Sexton and the whole Irish team that has led to them playing above the level anyone expected. With the World Cup just around the corner Sexton is peaking at just the right time and who knows by the end of the year this article could read; Sexton, the best in the world.

Is a draw out of the question?

Sunday sees the only two unbeaten sides left in this years Six Nations go head to head in the Aviva Stadium in what is expected to be a championship decider. Former players and pundits have labelled the game too close to call, raising the question if this huge game has draw written all over it.

Ireland go into the game on a 9 match winning streak including victories over South Africa, Australia and only two weeks ago France, although they have not been massively impressive in some of those games they have been well organised and stuck to their game plan with great efficiency. Joe Schmidt has instilled a great sense of confidence amongst the players that can only be achieved by winning, the fans have similarly gained confidence from the great form of their side, its hard to remember a French game where the people of Ireland were as confident they would come out on top as was the case in Ireland’s last outing. That confidence is evident once again going into the English game with nothing less than a victory expected.

Stuart Lancaster and his England side are not short of confidence themselves, they are unbeaten in 4 and after overcoming Wales in the Millenium stadium they will be confident they can go anywhere and win. Lancaster’s side have been full of flair in the opening two games, they blew Italy away by 47-17 while their 21-16 win at the Millenium was not only a huge statement of intent but also a showcase of the threat the English side have amongst their backs.

A huge amount of hype has been made about young centre Jonathan Joseph who has scored 3 tries in 2 games so far and is expected to be the biggest threat to Ireland when he graces the Aviva pitch. Joe Schmidt’s sides are known for their great organisation but they will have their work cut out against the tricky 23 year old. Joseph wont be the only threat with Burrell, Nowell and Watson alongside him offering a lot going forward.

Tommy Bowe and Simon Zebo will be looking to offer the threat for Ireland this Sunday down their respective wings and will be looking to make amends for not getting any tries on the scoreboard against France. Bowe has shown his prowess in the air fielding many of Sexton’s kick off’s and gaining valuable ground for his side, Zebo has been relatively quiet thus far in the tournament but his potential for moments of brilliance will have Lancaster planning to keep him under control.

Last seasons encounter saw Ireland score a try through Rob Kearney off the back of a set piece, something that Ireland have become renowned for and where they will look to plan most of their attacks this weekend.

The breakdown is often where games are won and lost in modern rugby and it could well be the case when the two sides face off this weekend, Ireland under Schmidt have been brilliant in their rucking and discipline at the breakdown but last week against France they were turned over too many times and they were uncharacteristically ill-disciplined, if they repeat the performance England will have a field day and George Ford will kick penalties for fun if they continue to give him the chance.

The biggest clash of the match will take place between Jonny Sexton and his fellow number 10 George Ford emphasising the importance of number 10’s in the game these days. Sexton is one of the greatest playmakers in the game as he showed last day against France, if he plays to his best it is hard to look past an Ireland win but George Ford will have something to say about that. 21 year old Ford has looked at home so far in the absence of Owen Farrell and will see this big occasion as a chance to show his credentials. Ford will also try to dictate the game to England’s favour through his accurate kicking although his decision making will be vital and any mistake or misjudgement will be punished.

Most games in International rugby at this high level are decided by just one score and with Ireland and England being so well matched you can expect that at the Aviva. It is not out of the realm of possibility that this championship decider could end as a draw, its just too hard to pick a winner.