Has the Irish out-half played his way into contention for the first Test against New Zealand?
Johnny Sexton has rediscovered his “mojo,” according to Lions coach Warren Gatland.
The Leinster and Ireland star teamed up well with Owen Farrell during the 12-3 victory over the Crusaders and, with Farrell in a race against time to recover from a quad injury in time for the first Test against New Zealand on 24 June, Sexton has every chance of playing a pivotal role against the All Blacks.
Farrell will definitely miss this weekend’s clash with the Maori All Blacks, having initially been named on the bench. Sexton will start on Saturday.
“Johnny needs more rugby and we’re building on that,” said Gatland of Sexton.
“He was really good off the bench against the Crusaders the other day and the combination of 10 and 12 was pretty seamless.
“He was just down a little on confidence but he’s got a bit of his mojo back, and we wanted to give him a start against the Maori.”
Sexton joined the Lions Tour having only made three appearances for Leinster since January through a series of niggles; he was rusty in the tour-opening 13-7 win over the Provincial Barbarians but Gatland will have been cheered to see the 31-year-old at something like his best form during the Crusaders clash.
