Jonny Sexton - Lions 10 certainty

Ok at this point its early days and the 6 nations is yet to come but in the last few months every article Ive read, every former or current player "my lions team" selection have him as a nailed on test starter. Whereas no other player seems to be making evey list.

Is he really the best option right now?

Wilkos stock is certainly rising but surely his lack of International game time wont help.
Priestland seems to have lost his mojo.
Farrell is good but maybe a little inexperienced?
Hodgson just dosent make it happen enough.
Cips plays for Sale and is mad as a brush.
Biggar doesnt get a look in with Wales often enough.
Too soon for Burns.
Flood is a viable option but possibly not quite as good.
O'Gara way past it.
No standout Scot option. Laidlaw is currently playing 9?!?

Methinks Sexton, although not firing as best he can so far this season, is still the only viable option at the moment. Shame because all get better when being pushed by others.

I think Jonny is on the radar only because of the lack of other options. And he would do a fine job for us. But whether he is able to negotiate the Lions v. end of Top 14 season will be important.

Besides Sexton, though, no player currently in their nation's team really inspires any tangible confidence, at least for me, for now. Hopefully we will see some significant improvement by the other 10s in the Six Nations.

I have this strange hunch that Henson will slip into the Wales Six Nations squad with Biggar and Patchell, and end up playing due to an injury to Biggar, doing alright.

Gats will select him as a utility back for the Lions.

Heard it here first.

The more I think about it, that little bloke playing 10 for Ulster, Paddy Jackson, is doing quite well. Appeared solid, competent, and under control so far in the Heineken Cup. Would like to see him have a real shot for some time in the 10 jumper for Ireland this spring.

Sextons certainly head of the pack at the moment, as much as anything hes the only one clearly established as long term first choice for his own country let alone the whole of Britain





























...and Ireland

Snigger!

Naughty Mr Wheeler.

I was going to point out to an earlier poster that Jonny is not playing in the Top 14, but it seemed a tad obvious.....

Doc unfortunately the powers that be in Ireland seem to still think that Sexton is liable to implode at any time and therefore the one true saviour of Irish rugby Ronan O'Gara must be on the bench. And even though Jackson outplayed him when Munster went up to Ravenhill, and both Keatley and Hanrahan are playing much better than him at Munster, he'll still be wearing the 22 shirt in Green...

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:Doc unfortunately the powers that be in Ireland seem to still think that Sexton is liable to implode at any time and therefore the one true saviour of Irish rugby Ronan O'Gara must be on the bench. And even though Jackson outplayed him when Munster went up to Ravenhill, and both Keatley and Hanrahan are playing much better than him at Munster, he'll still be wearing the 22 shirt in Green...

Agreed. Its a bit like a self fulfilling prophesy that puts unnecessary pressure on Sexton. Madigan is also better than Rog

Sexton is one of the first names on the teams sheet. Could he be captain?

I am not so sure about Johnny Sexton being the Lions 10 to be honest.

I have said all a long that the 10 shirt for the Lions will be a tough call.

The 6ns will give a better choice and weed out who is the best. I think Freddie Burns if he gets enough game time could well be a shoe in for the 10 spot.

I would not rule out Wilkinson to be honest.

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:Doc unfortunately the powers that be in Ireland seem to still think that Sexton is liable to implode at any time and therefore the one true saviour of Irish rugby Ronan O'Gara must be on the bench. And even though Jackson outplayed him when Munster went up to Ravenhill, and both Keatley and Hanrahan are playing much better than him at Munster, he'll still be wearing the 22 shirt in Green...

Unfortunately, I thought that might be the answer. Shame. I think this is a perfect time for Ireland to find out the mettle of the other 10s in the country.

Oh God please not Sexton, he does that stupid loop pass every single time and defenders just stand off and know whats coming.

The guy is also very slow.

Farrells Daddy will make sure his little sweatband wearing boy will get the nod,
it's not what you know it's who you know.

It would be needlessly risky to select Jackson or Burns based on a hunch about their potential, when you have the best all rounder there with experience and relative youth on his side.

Remember Jackson in the HC final? Part of a learning curve a young player must go through. Same curve Burns is on. Not ready for the Lions.

Sexton has a great attacking game, kicking game and is one of the very top defensive 10's in the world. I'd take him over any non Kiwi 10 in the world.

I think Flood and Farrell are competent. They wouldn't let us down. But not Sextons level. I do really like Biggar. We haven't seen his full potential yet I reckon. But Gatland doesn't seem to want to. I don't rate Priestland or the Scottish 10's very highly at all.

It all points to Sexton.

I agree on Biggar. Fine player. Also a good point re Farrell and his dads involvement in the management team.

James Hook and Toby Flood are the only challengers. Like the call for paddy Jackson, for a young guy he rarely puts a foot wrong and might have an HEC winners medal by the lions tour.

Sexton is the man in the hot seat at the moment for sure but any one of half a dozen could usurp him after the six nations.

The lions ten will be one of the tens in the Six nations. so Hook or others mentioned who are not getting gametime will not get in.

TJ wrote:Sexton is the man in the hot seat at the moment for sure but any one of half a dozen could usurp him after the six nations.

The lions ten will be one of the tens in the Six nations. so Hook or others mentioned who are not getting gametime will not get in.

Hook will most likely start for Wales unless Biggar has a great last two in the HEC

maestegmafia wrote:

TJ wrote:Sexton is the man in the hot seat at the moment for sure but any one of half a dozen could usurp him after the six nations.

The lions ten will be one of the tens in the Six nations. so Hook or others mentioned who are not getting gametime will not get in.

Hook will most likely start for Wales unless Biggar has a great last two in the HEC

I really hope your wrong Maes, Biggar has to start at 10 for us.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

TJ wrote:Sexton is the man in the hot seat at the moment for sure but any one of half a dozen could usurp him after the six nations.

The lions ten will be one of the tens in the Six nations. so Hook or others mentioned who are not getting gametime will not get in.

Hook will most likely start for Wales unless Biggar has a great last two in the HEC

I really hope your wrong Maes, Biggar has to start at 10 for us.

Been watching the top 14 mate and hook pre injury was playing some very good rugby...! He looks considerably better than Biggar.

I know i sound like a broken record when i say this but i honestly think that Sexton is going to be ousted by Madigan at 10 very soon.

That said, for this to happen Kidney has to give Madigan the 22 shirt for Ireland and retire ROG, not something that i see happening sadly.

Jackson is a good call but early too for him.

Hook was in very good form and could be a shout.

The way things are now though, i can only see it being between Farrell and Sexton.

Watched the Leinster Embra game from Friday and Sexton looked a very accomplished FH. It was Edinburgh he was up against right enough - who are probably the worst team in the Rabo at present but I reckon he is a shoe in for Lions at 10 - at present anyway.

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Watched the Leinster Embra game from Friday and Sexton looked a very accomplished FH. It was Edinburgh he was up against right enough - who are probably the worst team in the Rabo at present but I reckon he is a shoe in for Lions at 10 - at present anyway.

This was the same match where D'Arcy was making breaks and looked a good player... Not sure that Fridays match against a very poor Edinburgh team actually shows if Sexton is the best 10 around right now.

eirebilly wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Watched the Leinster Embra game from Friday and Sexton looked a very accomplished FH. It was Edinburgh he was up against right enough - who are probably the worst team in the Rabo at present but I reckon he is a shoe in for Lions at 10 - at present anyway.

This was the same match where D'Arcy was making breaks and looked a good player... Not sure that Fridays match against a very poor Edinburgh team actually shows if Sexton is the best 10 around right now.

Darcy has been playing well for a while now.

Not from what i have seen mate. He puts in the odd good match but like ROG, his time has come and gone.

Carr even looked great in that match as well which is saying something

He's in the driving seat, not because he's an amazing player necessarily but because he's the only 10 of the home nations who is genuine class and experienced enough to play in big matches.

Wales, Scotland and England all have guys at pivot you think are just keeping the bench warm for a better player to come around.

But there is a lot of rugby before the lions tour.

Lets say flood and farrell get injured at start of 6N and Burns has a stormer.... the kid is talented enough to challenge but experience is vital.

It's not that he's slam dunk more skilful than all of the other options, but he is a more proven winner and that counts for a lot when you're picking players to come through the cauldron of tour tests.

He's 27, has 34 Ireland caps, has already won the Heineken Cup three times, the Magners once and the Churchill Cup.

Show me another 10 with the same track record of recent success?

Sexton has to be first choice, he has all the required skills as well as nerves under pressure and he seems to like to be a bit confrontational which is a good thing for a Lions tour.

Behind him Farrel could be a very useful back up, he too is ice cool under pressure and has the right mentalityfor the big games, he just needs to play more at 10 for club and show improvement over the 6N's.

Why is Cips as mad as a brush? Have I missed something?

Sexton, Farrell and Flood would be my bets for the lions tour right now.

Madigan is the second best Irish outhalf at the moment imo. Smart and calm and does everything well.

Sexton, Farrell and Flood would be my bets for the lions tour right now.

Yes i would agree with that...... But with Flood getting cited for tip tackle, how bad will this effect his chances of making the Lions squad?

majesticimperialman wrote:Sexton, Farrell and Flood would be my bets for the lions tour right now.

Yes i would agree with that...... But with Flood getting cited for tip tackle, how bad will this effect his chances of making the Lions squad?

It is January...!

The tour is in June. They won't ban Flood for six months. He'll be unlucky to get more than a week by the RFU.

Its a decent battle between Flood and Farrell for England let alone a battle with Sexton for the Lions 10.

Sexton = boss seat

The other viable alrenatives are

Flood
Wilko
Farrell

Biggar
Hook

with a possible bolter coming from Burns and Patchell

After the 6 Nations I believe Gatland will take Sexton, Biggar and Wilko

Wilko is not a viable alternative. really the field of 10s is not great but he is way way down the pecking order. The lions will need to score tries. Wilko is not the man to lead a back division into scoring.

there seems to be this illogical reverence of Wilkinson - who was never anything but a limited attacking player even pre injury

Sexton, Flood, Preistland ( if he rediscovers form) for me Maybe Farrell if you want a "closer" to come on and control the final quarter of a game. Farrell is a similar player to Wilko but younger and faster

I think the choices have to reflect the style of rugby that the Lions will try to play. They're not going to Oz to play aerial ping-pong with Beale, Mitchell, O'Connor et al, so what is the point in bringing someone like Wilkinson, who no offence as he is probably up there with Carter as the 10 of the modern era, is not the man to bring a backline into play. He is metronomic with the boot and doesn't shirk a tackle but Greenwood was the magic in the England backline when Wilkinson won the World Cup.

My first choice is Sexton. There is no doubt that barring injury or catastrophic decline in form, he will start at 10. Next comes the players who are likely to get time in the 6N. This includes Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland, Greig Laidlaw, Ruairidh Jackson, Toby Flood and Owen Farrell. A lot depends on who starts for their respective countries and whether injuries or suspension dampen their chances.

Finally there are the bolters. Paddy Jackson, Ian Madigan, Ian Keatley, Duncan Weir, Tom Heathcote, Freddie Burns, George Ford and Rhys Patchell. Again their chances depend on whether they can step up to international level, or even get the chance. Some will have the Heineken Cup to showcase their talents (Ford, Jackson, Madigan/Keatley) but others may rely on their chances in the League.

If I was to pick now, I'd go for Sexton, Biggar and Madigan. Simply due to the fact that I feel if Biggar makes the Wales 10 jersey his own in the 6N he will probably tour, and if Madigan steps up to the Ireland team he is a brilliant player who will thrive in that situation.

Good post, interesting thoughts

I'll assume Sexton is in the box seat for the 10 jersey. To take on any of Aus, NZ or SA Sexton will need a 9 & 12 who will complement him. Who are the choices to give the Lions that cutting edge?

Mine would be Ben Youngs (not as petulant as Care - and Sexton can be similar) and Jonathan Davies.

If the first players at the ruck can knock Pocock/Hooper et al out of the way, then those three, with quick ball, could give us a real edge. They are all capable of attacking space and making yards.

The Wallabies are arguably the best defensive side in the world, if given time. So don't give them any, and get in behind them at every opportunity.

faa019 that's rubbish.

Bear in mind that Sexton is 27, Farrell is 21.

Farrell has 12 caps for England - win vs ABs and AP championship under his belt. Not bad for his age is it?

Of course playing better than Carter,Sexton,Priestland and Flood means nothing to most of you.

When Farrell starts at fly half for England or Saracens his side generally wins.

Ulstermaninglasgow Biggar and Madigan? Seriously? Why?

I would pick Sexton,Farrell and Burns (only if he gets gametime in the 6nations and does well).

I don't understand people's qualms about Wilkinson as a backup player.

I would have:

Sexton
Farrell
Wilkinson

Sexton is clearly in the driving seat. Farrell is an able deputy who is playing well and can cover the centre if necessary. Wilkinson to me is a great guy to have in the dirt tracker team. He is experienced, he kicks well, he is a proven winner and I think having a guy like him on tour would benefit the group.

Regarding scrumhalf and centre I agree with Hound. Sexton needs players who compliment him. He needs a scrumhalf who will give him the ball and let him make decisions rather than one who dictates the game.

Doesn't that rule out Youmgs, Care and Phillips?

It doesn't rule them out per say but yes I don't think they (or Murray) are the ideal scrumhalf for him.

However as you say there may not be the perfect #9 for him out there.

red_stag wrote:I don't understand people's qualms about Wilkinson as a backup player.

I would have:

Sexton
Farrell
Wilkinson

+ 1

could it be that a Youngs and Farrell partnership is more effective than a Sexton and Phillips one? Partnerships are key to teams with little time and players who are unfamiliar with each other.

I don't see why Sexton can't work with a player like Youngs mind... any scrumhalf who takes some responsibility off their FH is a benefit..i.e. Ruan, Fourie, Genia etc etc.

red_stag wrote:
Regarding scrumhalf and centre I agree with Hound. Sexton needs players who compliment him. He needs a scrumhalf who will give him the ball and let him make decisions rather than one who dictates the game.

Can you please tell that to Declan Kidney.

GunsGerms wrote:

red_stag wrote:
Regarding scrumhalf and centre I agree with Hound. Sexton needs players who compliment him. He needs a scrumhalf who will give him the ball and let him make decisions rather than one who dictates the game.

Can you please tell that to Declan Kidney.

I do try to but Sexton is clearly Deccies love child. Won't drop him.

Good point made on the last episode of Rugby Club.
Sexton plays his best rugby when given a free reign - Will Gatland allow this or try to impose a more rigid structure.

Sexton is still the stand out candidate though.
But there is plenty of time for Burns, Priestland to regain form or step up.
Floods facing a bit of a ban and hasnt done himself any favours.
Farrell may travel - would make a reasonable mid week 10 and offers more versatility than the other stand-offs.

Despite being shamefully biased, I wonder if is Burns is merely a "bolter". Aviva Premiership top points scorer, arguably the best performing 10 this season in the AP generally. Solid, albeit straightforward, cameo v the world champions.

I admit, Farrell has the experience, but Freddie could make a statement this 6 nations once his inevitable EPS inclusion is confirmed tomorrow. Also, if Flood is absent due to his citing, we could see a fair bit of the Gloucester man.

I agree with Beshocked on the Sexton, Farrell, Burns shout.

propdavid_london wrote:Good point made on the last episode of Rugby Club.
Sexton plays his best rugby when given a free reign - Will Gatland allow this or try to impose a more rigid structure.

That is a good point. If it's the latter, which is likely, Gatland might be inclined to go for Owen Farrell. It looks like he still has his doubts about Dan Biggar.

red_stag wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

red_stag wrote:
Regarding scrumhalf and centre I agree with Hound. Sexton needs players who compliment him. He needs a scrumhalf who will give him the ball and let him make decisions rather than one who dictates the game.

Can you please tell that to Declan Kidney.

I do try to but Sexton is clearly Deccies love child. Won't drop him.

He does drop him and regularly subs him for a 35yo has been. Cant love him that much.

Ronan O'Gara to tour with the Lions according to national press in Ireland:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ogara-stakes-lions-claim-with-classy-display-3343851.html

OGara was poor v Cardiff. Lots of dinks that didnt work, in fact hardly anything he tried worked. Wasnt all his fault but he was poor. He did deserve to go on the last tour might as well book his holidays eksewhere now so he can get a good deal.

By the way I think Drico will get picked. He is in mean shape. He has reallu slimmed down and looks as sharp as I have seen him in a while.