Hard to argue with the Irish rugby legend here.
Brian O’Driscoll believes Johnny Sexton has staked a genuine claim to be called the world’s best rugby player at this moment in time.
Ireland’s record try-scorer was on Newstalk’s Off the Ball show when he made the confident proclamation about his former provincial and national teammate.
A conversation on Ireland’s winning start to the Six Nations quickly turned to the form of Ireland’s out-half, against France and England. Sexton tweaked his hamstring in the England win but is hopeful of being fit to face Wales, in Cardiff, next Saturday.
‘I think it’s trouble [if Sexton is not fit],’ O’Driscoll conceded. ‘Big trouble.
‘With the utmost respect to Ian Keatley and Ian Madigan – they are both fine players – they are not Johnny Sexton.’
O’Driscoll added, ‘Johnny is the best 10 in the world at the moment. He’s probably the best player in the world at the moment.
‘I’ve been watching a small bit of Super Rugby and a few of those guys are still to come back. But, the way he is able to pull the right strings, orchestrate plays and make the right decisions, and his vision [is great].’
Referring to Sexton’s gutsy defensive displays, upon his return from a concussion-related lay-off, O’Driscoll said.
He is able to come back and physically impose himself on the game after a 12-week lay-off and idiotically tackling high… that is just his technique; he’s a strong guy. He is wiry but strong. Even though he has a little David Beckham pigeon-chest on him, he lifts good weights… He backs himself to be able to hold guys up.
You can listen to the full interview here:
