Ireland: life without Sexton
If the XV of France must (temporarily) learn to live without Antoine Dupont, Ireland must now cope without Jonathan Sexton, at the helm of the XV of Clover for fourteen years.
Playing master and maximum leader of his team, the former Leinster fly-half leaves a big void behind.
In the absence of the injured Ross Byrne, the three other Irish number 10s have only 12 caps between them.
The infirmary is very full and the England coach, Andy Farrell, will also have to do without winger Mack Hansen, three-quarter Jimmy O'Brien and forwards Dave Kilcoyne and Rob Herring.
To discover
Ranking Tournament 6 of Nations
Calendar and results 6 Nations
The XV of Clover, after its new disappointment in the quarter-finals of the last World Cup (beaten by the All Blacks), will want to resume its march forward which had led it to first place in the world rankings.
Title holders with the Grand Slam up for grabs (the 4th in their history), the Irish, a large majority of whom play in Leinster, have an ultra-experienced group...
This article is reserved for subscribers.
You have 83% left to discover.
Do you want to read more?
Unlock all items immediately.
TEST FOR €0.99
Already subscribed?
Log in