Select Edition

Northern
Southern
Global
NZ
InternationalIreland

Ireland fans have their say on Ryan becoming captain vs England and it doesn't reflect well on Sexton

By Josh Raisey
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The time for James Ryan to permanently assume the captaincy of Ireland has come in the eyes of the public. This has been the general response since it was announced on Tuesday that the lock will lead his country against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

His chance in the Autumn Nations Cup comes in the absence of the injured Jonathan Sexton. The fly-half succumbed to a hamstring injury in the victory over Wales in Dublin on Friday, meaning the 24-year-old will now lead his country for the first time. 

The 35-year-old Sexton took over from Rory Best at the end of the World Cup last year, but Ryan has always been viewed as the long-term Ireland captaincy option. The lock has been his country's best performer for the past two years now and has been operating at a world-class level. 

Johnny Sexton on his apology to Andy Farrell following his substitution in Paris

Now that the Leinster forward has been named captain by head coach Andy Farrell, the overwhelming view online is that this must become a permanent fixture. 

This is not only the natural decision to make given the way Ryan already leads from the front, but this would also relieve Sexton of the burden he has been carrying as captain throughout 2020. 

There is a case that his game in green has dropped since succeeding Best, while he also created controversy for his reaction towards the coaches box when replaced during Ireland's Six Nations loss last month to France. He apologised to Farrell but his reputation was damaged with ex-Ireland skippers Brian O'Driscoll and Keith Wood criticising his behaviour.

The hope would be may that Sexton might be able to conjure his best form when he returns from injury should this appointment of Ryan be a permanent one.

There are of course members of the squad with more experience both in the Test arena and as captains, notably Peter O’Mahony who skippered the 2017 Lions in their first Test, but with an eye on the 2023 World Cup, the consensus is that there is no one better suited for this role than Ryan. 

Saturday will be a baptism of fire for the second row, with Ireland hoping to arrest a three-match losing streak against England and take control of their Nations Cup group. 

Trending on RugbyPass

1

It's the same old South African story for the Sharks

2

Stuart Hogg addresses rumours of rugby return

3

Nigel Owens has final say on URC's most controversial game

4

OTD – Declan Kidney takes step up into Test rugby

5

Black Ferns Sevens coach provides update on injured duo

More News

Latest Comments

How Reds duo could give Joe Schmidt vital backline power
D
Don M 1 hours ago

Hi Nick. Thanks for your +++ ongoing analysis. Re Vunivalu, He’s been benched recently and it will be interesting to see what Kiss does with him as we enter the backend of SRP. I’m still not sold.

Go to comments
Fin Smith explains the Leinster 'chaos' that caught out Northampton
S
Simon 3 hours ago

In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.

Go to comments