Irish star johnny sexton He insists that having one last chance to become a Grand Slam-winning captain is positive pressure as he gets closer to his prospective Guinness. Six Nations swan song.
Andy Farrell’s in-form side is heading for the championship for a tournament clean sweep with pole position and tough shootouts. Scotland And England.
Ireland clinched only three Grand Slams With Sexton, who was part of the team in Championship history that last achieved this feat in 2018.
The veteran is expected to retire after this year’s World Cup, but he doesn’t feel the overload of current conditions as he tries to sign off in style to an amazing Six Nations career.
“Pressure is pressure,” he said before visiting Murrayfield on Sunday. “It’s been there in various ways for the last 10, 15 years. This is good print.
“You have a chance, you want to do well.
“But at the same time, it’s not about me, it’s about this team and building and trying to do something that we set out to do. Ultimately, that’s the point.”
Ireland tops the championship standings with bonus points against Wales, France and Italy.
Three-time champion Sexton, who made his Six Nations debut in 2010, is gearing up to return to action at Murrayfield after smashing his third-round win in Rome due to a groin problem against Les Bleus.
The 37-year-old urged his teammates to “seize” a rare opportunity for a Grand Slam victory.
“It’s about embracing it, it’s about realizing that it wasn’t always like that,” she said.
“Going back a few years, we lost our first two games and we were struggling with some respect, some pride, whatever.
“So it’s not always like that. You have to value him. Where else would you rather be? Would you rather be fourth and play for nothing?
“That’s where we want to be. You can’t escape it, so it’s just about the homecoming process, the performance, and taking home the things that matter.”
Sexton, who started the match with a lack of match time after undergoing cheekbone surgery at the beginning of the season, watched from the stands at Stadio Olimpico due to his latest condition decline.
The Leinster man admits that the mandatory four-week break between games isn’t ideal, but he’s confident it won’t be a major issue.
“You would certainly rather play,” he said.
“I think what you learn is that you prepare well, train well, put yourself in play situations to take training seriously, even kick training and things like that. Making sure you really focus on that.
“I guess what you can’t replicate is intensity, but you work hard and make sure you’re well prepared.
“But nothing comes close to Test match rugby. But look, I’ll be ready on Sunday. Like you said, I took longer breaks.
“Fortunately I’ve had a few games after my facial injury so yes, it’s not ideal but that’s what it is.”