Eddie Jones and England will feel justified about their tactics.
Ahead of Ireland’s 21-10 loss to England, Jones copped some flak for bringing up Johnny Sexton’s recent “whiplash” knock against Wales and suggesting the outhalf’s parents should be concerned for his health.
Asked if targeting Sexton was a legitimate tactic, Jones said it was a ridiculous question. Why would you target certain key players and leave one man alone, he reasoned.
On Saturday, true to their coach’s words, England went after Sexton. For the most part, the hits were hefty [Owen Farrell ragdolling him to the turf, for example] but the hits were clean.
A fine example of why you should get on top of the No.10 as often as possible occurred minutes before England’s first try.
Off the back of an Irish scrum, Ben Youngs zeroed in on Sexton as he spun a pass wide. He knew what he was doing but was committed to making a legitimate tackle. As you can see, it rattled Sexton.
25 seconds later and with Ireland attacking on the English 10-metre line, Conor Murray sought out Sexton as first receiver.
Sexton’s mind may have still been on the hit as he needlessly spilled forward. As play broke down, the 30-year-old nursed his left shoulder for several seconds as he shifted back into position.
England got the attacking scrum, got quick ball out and, seven phases later, exploited an overlap for Anthony Watson’s try.
One hit forcing one mistake, leading to one try. For Sexton, the hits will keep coming. And coming.
*Clips courtesy of RBS Six Nations and ITV Sport
