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O'Driscoll: Joey Carbery not a 'genuine threat' to Sexton
By Online Editors
Brian O'Driscoll doesn't see Joey Carbery as a genuine threat to incumbent Ireland flyhalf Jonny Sexton, despite a below-par Six Nations for the World Player of the Year.
O'Driscoll was speaking at Sky's launch of their new 'Extras' package that includes BT Sports rugby union coverage.
"I don’t think he’s a genuine threat yet to Johnny," the Ireland legend reflected. "As soon as this World Cup is over they’ve got to start thinking that way. But now with what Johnny’s achieved, he is World Player of the Year."
O'Driscoll described Carbery as 'exciting' but say he will have to wait until after the Rugby World Cup before becoming a genuine contender for the Irish ten jersey.
“By (Sexton’s) standards maybe he had a shaky few months and hasn’t had the same performances as he had in the last few seasons, but he’s still vital to Ireland’s success in the World Cup.
“It’s an easy selection, because he knows exactly what the team needs to achieve and everyone’s role within it.”
Sexton and Carbery's relationship appeared to have strained somewhat since the latter decamped to Munster in 2018. Indeed, tempers flared between the pair when they met in a PRO14 derby in Thomond Park last December.
Sexton threw the Munster pivot to the ground with a ‘horse collar’ before standing over him and appearing to deliver a few choice words.
The taunting display sparked memories of Sexton’s overzealous try celebration standing over another Munster outhalf, Ronan O’Gara, back in 2009.
Sexton’s ugly display didn’t go unnoticed by fans, with some labeling it ‘petulant’ and a ‘disgrace’, calling into question his leadership role with Ireland.
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I just don't see any progress in their game plan- still unable to cope with rush D, back-line is clunky - not fluid (despite the same players being together for some time), unbalanced lose trio - Ardie has gone backwards and we wasted his best years in a position he was never going to flourish in (those who say he won WPOY in that position miss the point that he would have won at any position but would definitely have still won it at 7), and I don't see an ability of this team to play with confidence knowing their roles. Handling and skills have to be the worst seen for years with sloppy and dropped passes, people not expecting passes - kick-off receptions poor, on and on. This was a hall mark of his Crusader teams. I wonder if Razor wanted to show he could replicate his first year at Saders with the same players Foster used. I struggle to understand his rationale to keep that squad mostly intact (except for retirements or off-shore contracts) and ignore talent emerging in SR. No wonder good SR players are exiting. Rant over. As is my enthusiasm for AB rugby - which is mostly being played by Boks, Irish, French and even Scotland!
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