French media round on Johnny Sexton and his ‘countless KOs’.
The Irish outhalf was unfortunate to play with a Racing Métro team, for two seasons, that was in transition and bedding in new coaches.
Sexton performed well for the Parisiens whenever he got out on the pitch but injuries, Ireland duty and more injuries meant he only gave Racing fans a glimpse of his talents.
Being described as aloof by a club source did not make for a fond farewell when, a month into 2014/15, he re-signed with Leinster.
We knew Sexton was the focus of ‘ego’ headlines in the French media this week but, as soon as we landed in Paris, it became clear that he is public enemy No.1.
For this week, at least.
All the leading media outlets have trained their sights on the Irish No 10.
At Ireland’s Captain’s Run at Stade de France, earlier today, TV and radio reporters asked after only one player – Sexton – and did likewise when chatting to Irish journalists after.
Rugbyrama has run a lengthy piece on the Dubliner’s issue with concussions in recent years. The article features comments, raised last month, by Brian O’Driscoll about Sexton’s iffy tackle technique and George Hook questioning whether or not he should retire for his own safety. In 2014, Sexton was concussed four times.
Friday’s edition of Le Figaro previews the match.
Le Figaro, meanwhile, notes that Sexton has suffered ‘countless KOs’ in recent years. The article also highlights what they see as a cavalier take on his concussive blows after last year’s win over France, in Dublin. It reports that Sexton declared he was glad he took some heavy hits from Mathieu Bastareaud as it proved he could take them.
Returning to Sexton standing tall in the tackle, Rugbyrama feature a quote from Bernard Jackman [former Leinster teammate of Sexton] that the outhalf wants to lead by example and is “too proud” to hide behind other Irish players when defensive duty calls.
