1
Ireland lose talisman Johnny Sexton moments before Wallabies skirmish
By PA
Ireland have been dealt a major blow ahead of their final Test of 2022 with captain Johnny Sexton scratched moments before kick-off.
Munster fly-half Jack Crowley, who only made his Test debut last weekend, has been thrust into the Irish starting XV, with Ross Byrne added to Andy Farrell’s bench.
Sexton had been set to return from the dead leg which kept him out of his country’s 35-17 win over Fiji but did not warm up with the team before his absence was confirmed.
Ireland are out to end a stellar 2022 seeking a record-equalling 12th consecutive home win, while the Wallabies will bid to bounce back from last week’s shock defeat to Italy.
Sexton was this week included as one of four men's World Rugby Player of the Year nominees.
“It’s quite embarrassing really, in regards to you’ve heard me say plenty of times that we do this together,” he said of being up for the award, which will be presented to the winner on Sunday [GMT].
“When a coach gets any recognition, never mind the coaching staff that are top class in our group, the rest of the staff, the team and how everyone pulls together, we do it together.
“I’d 100 per cent take it as a team recognition.”
Sexton, however, won't have the opportunity to advance his case for Player of the Year, nor Ireland's case for a victory over the Wallabies.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
Go to comments