Will Jonathan Sexton be able to face the Blues?
Ireland wants to believe it anyway.
The captain and a half opening of the XV of Clover, victim of yet another concussion on February 7 during the lost match (21-16) in Wales, should hold his place Sunday February 14 against the XV of France, during the second day of the Six Nations Tournament.
“I am rather saddened, and even shocked, by some recent articles, which are inaccurate and inappropriate.
But whatever… I want to focus on this week and the return-to-play protocols. If I pass them, I can play.
Otherwise, I will not be able, ”launched Sexton on Wednesday, visibly annoyed by the endless questions about his health and the questioning of certain specialists.
"I have been accused of being selfish"
“I've been there before.
We can talk about it as much as we want, but I know that I cannot win… I tried to present the facts, I was accused of being selfish and of not thinking about the health of young players ” , assured the 35-year-old (97 caps).
When he stayed ashore in Cardiff on Sunday after a shock to Welshman Justin Tipuric's knee, all of Ireland held their breath.
Once again, Sexton went coal.
Once again he took a blow to the head.
As in 2014 and 2015. After a series of repeated concussions, with Racing 92 and the XV du Trèfle, Sexton had to observe a three-month break.
The following year, rebelotte.
Hit against the Wasps, the opener held his rank and played in the Tournament… where he suffered a new shock to the head.
"I took a hit on the head but it's okay"
But the person refuses to feel sorry for himself.
" I'm fine.
I took a hit on the head but it's okay.
I took a blow to the temple, but it should be fine once I have passed all the protocols, ”he also promised after the first day of the Tournament.
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Tuesday, the Irish staff had assured to count on his talisman.
Without worrying.
Especially since, since Sunday, Sexton follows "the protocol of progressive return to the game", as indicated by his federation.
“It's a six-step protocol of 24 hours each.
At each level, if there are no symptoms resulting from the concussion, we can move on to the next step.
At the moment, there is no problem.
We will see how it evolves during the week, ”said Irish defense coach Simon Easterby.
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“Our priority is above all the health and safety of the players.
If the player misses a step, then he must wait one more day before he can continue the protocol.
But we think Johnny will pass those tests and get back to the game soon, ”added the former international third line.
"If he decides to stay, it is because he feels capable"
On the side of the Blues either, we are not too worried about the Irishman.
“Johnny, he's an adult, he's got a lot of experience.
So if he decides to stay on the field, it is because he feels capable of it, ”said Brice Dulin, who played with Sexton at Racing 92.
"If he continues to play, it is because the doctors give him the possibility and he, behind, is big enough and has enough experience to know that he can do it", added the back of the Blues .
Proof of Irish confidence, no opener has been called in to make up for a potential absence from Sexton.
The French will focus on what they can do.
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"The ingredients will be the same for us whether Sexton is there or not," analyzes winger Gabin Villière.
“It will really be necessary to put all the necessary ingredients to be up to this event.
This is not necessarily something that we are going to focus on a lot because it is not necessarily our problem, it is more the problem of the Irish.
"