We never got the showdown with Dan Biggar but, regardless, Johnny Sexton is streets ahead.
During the early stages of the World Cup, I almost spat out my Corn Flakes when I read a Wales Online interview with Ryan Jones. The former Wales captain claimed that Dan Biggar was his favourite to be the Lions’ No.10 in 2017.
Johnny Sexton had just played a blinder against Canada and looked to be hitting form for an Irish surge at the World Cup.
By the end of that tournament, however, Ireland had floundered and Sexton missed their quarter final having been successfully targeted by the French. Biggar was very impressive and that Ryan Jones proclamation did not seem so crazy.
Even more so when Sexton looked a sullen shell of himself for Leinster in Europe.
Recent weeks have seen glimpses of the Sexton we know and love. Today, in the 16-16 draw with Wales, the outhalf was back to his best.
When Sexton plays well, Ireland tend to do likewise. So it proved today.
Sexton delivered three line breaks for his side and was the most dangerous of the Irish backs. He revelled in having CJ Stander to punch holes for him and put Andrew Trimble away only for a last-ditch George North tackle to prevent a try.
His goal-kicking was flawless too, which begs the question why he kicked for an attacking line-out rather than go for three points early in the second half.
There was a worrying sight for Irish fans, with six minutes to go, when Sexton looked in serious discomfort. Ian Madigan took his place and, post-match, Joe Schmidt assured us all that his star man was withdrawn as a mere precaution.
“Dare I say it, there was a degree of ‘Let’s look after him for next week’ [against France] because we know how important that will be as well. Once he put us level, we felt we’d just get him off.
“It is not something he necessarily always agrees with but, again, he is also conscious that it is a five-match tournament and it is incredibly intense. We’re going to need him and everyone else to be as good as they can be next week.”
Sexton had shipped a heavy blow only minutes before he kicked the levelling penalty but he dusted himself off, sucked it up and nailed his kick. Schmidt told us:
“As Rory [Best] said, everyone was battered and bruised. He was too. But his mental strength is such that, to be honest, it is not something I would have too many second thoughts about.
“In the end, we made the substitution after him kicking the goal but we probably would have made it anyway to save him for next week.”
Irish fans will be hoping Sexton’s name stays well clear of Monday afternoon’s fitness bulletin from the IRFU.
After the first weekend of Six Nations action, Sexton is the clear frontrunner in the notional stakes to be the Lions No. 10. Class really is permanent.
