Johnny Sexton and Paul O’Connell are both former teammates from the Irish national team.
Paul O’Connell, forwards coach for Ireland, suggests that the suspended Irish captain, Johnny Sexton, may be apprehensive about his limited match experience leading up to his final World Cup appearance.
Sexton, who plans to retire after the competition in France, is set to miss Ireland’s preparation matches due to a three-match suspension imposed for inappropriate behavior. The 38-year-old has been off the field competitively since March.
“Presumably, it’s troubling for him. He yearns to end his career on a high note,” O’Connell stated.
“He probably wishes he could have gotten more match practice,” he added.
Sexton’s final game in the Six Nations against England ended prematurely due to a groin injury, sidelining him for the rest of the season with his home club, Leinster.
Despite O’Connell acknowledging Sexton’s probable unease, he remains confident that Sexton’s prolonged absence is not a significant concern for the Irish team’s coaching staff.
“In the past, he’s been able to swiftly regain form after injuries. He doesn’t usually need many games to hit his stride,” O’Connell pointed out.
“He’s been consistent in training since the pre-season started. He’s not missed a single session.
“He watches an abundance of rugby and is constantly thinking about it. That helps him make a swift comeback,” he added.
“It is what it is. It’s not something that concerns me,” he concluded.
Ireland is set to compete against Italy, England, and Samoa this month before kicking off their World Cup campaign on 9 September against Romania in Bordeaux.
‘Silver Lining’ in Sexton’s Absence
The continued sidelining of Sexton, due to his misconduct following Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup final loss to La Rochelle on May 20, has created an opportunity for alternative fly-halves Ross Byrne, Jack Crowley, and Ciaran Frawley.
O’Connell sees this as a notable “silver lining” amidst unfavorable conditions.
“The three players are vying for spots – Johnny’s absence gives them a chance to stake their claim,” said the 43-year old former lock who played in four World Cups.
“This places us in a strong position going into the World Cup because these players can garner more experience; not only of performing on a big stage, but also of managing the week and driving the details,” he added.
“Johnny’s suspension is regrettable for us. But it also brings about an unexpected advantage for us.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about World Cup warm-ups
Q: What is the reason for Johnny Sexton’s absence from Ireland’s World Cup warm-up games?
A: Johnny Sexton, the Ireland captain, will miss the World Cup warm-ups due to a three-match suspension for misconduct following Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle.
Q: How might Johnny Sexton’s lack of game time before the World Cup affect him?
A: Paul O’Connell believes Sexton might feel uneasy about his limited match experience leading up to his World Cup swansong, as he aims to finish his career on a high note.
Q: How has Sexton’s injury history impacted his ability to return to form quickly?
A: Despite his injury history, Sexton is known for making swift comebacks and doesn’t usually need many games to hit his stride, which could work in his favor upon his return.
Q: What opportunity has Sexton’s absence created for other players?
A: Sexton’s absence has opened the door for fly-halves Ross Byrne, Jack Crowley, and Ciaran Frawley, who now have a chance to prove themselves and gain valuable experience on the field.
Q: What are Ireland’s plans leading up to the World Cup?
A: Ireland will face Italy, England, and Samoa in preparation matches before starting their World Cup campaign on 9 September against Romania in Bordeaux.
More about World Cup warm-ups
- Johnny Sexton handed three-match ban for misconduct (BBC Sport) – Link
- Ireland’s World Cup preparations without Johnny Sexton (The Irish Times) – Link
- Ireland’s World Cup campaign schedule (Sky Sports) – Link
5 comments
sexton’s ban bbc link – so unfair! ireland needs him! hope they do well w/out him in warm-ups tho. world cup gonna be excitin’!
wow! sexton gonna miss warm-ups? not gud for ireland! hope he play well in world cup tho.
o’connell knows his stuff! sexton’s injury history, no worry, he’ll b back n performin’ gr8! 3 fly-halves gettin’ a shot, gud silver lining 4 ireland!
sexton’s retirin’ after world cup, sad times! hope he goes out with a bang! ireland needs him at his best! fingers crossed!
schedule sky sports – check it! ireland’s world cup games lined up. can’t wait! sexton’s absence a worry, but o’connell says it’s ok.