3. Jonathan Sexton
Jonathan Sexton can slot drop goals from 55, bump off defenders with his 6’2, 90 kilogram frame, as well as break the line and score tries with a combination of speed, footwork, and impeccable support play. As well as all that, Sexton possess a crisp passing game and a pinpoint accurate kicking game from hand and from the tee. Whether he’s putting someone through a hole or running through one himself on a second touch, Sexton is a complete 10 who can turn any game on its head, and Ireland’s ability to control the game depends on him. His stellar play through the Six Nations and for Racing Club in Paris leave him the sole candidate from the Northern Hemisphere for the World Rugby Player of the Year Award.
Australia’s back three will need to be in position to field tactical kicks at all times to combat what is most likely Ireland’s greatest strength. Michael Hooper and the Wallaby inside backs will need to place plenty of pressure on Sexton early to knock him off his game, as a confidence player he can get rattled and shut up shop if the defence can get to him. While Bernard Foley isn’t the most imposing defender, Matt Toomua might be able to make himself felt by those around him, as can be seen in the first minute of this clip. It will certainly be interesting to see if Toomua’s revised tackling technique allows him to inflict the same amount of pain as last time the two sides met. Toomua has worked on keeping his jaw out of danger in training this week.
Watch out how the Wallabies work to limit and contain the influence of Sexton.
