Former Ireland Star On Why Sexton Starts Ahead Of Jackson

Former Ireland star Shane Horgan says Johnny Sexton simply offers more than Paddy Jackson and that’s why he stars this weekend.

Horgan believes that Jackson just doesn’t bring the same x-factor that you get with Sexton. While Jackson has been one of the standout performers at the Six Nations this year, Horgan believes his lack of star power is why Sexton got the nod.

The former winger also believes that Ireland will simply have too much for France this weekend, with the strength on the bench being key to victory.

“Paddy Jackson has performed adequately in his two games there but he doesn’t have the star power or the X factor that Sexton has,” Horgan told RTÉ Sport.

“His variation of pass, while still being able to stay up field and attack the inside shoulder of the defence makes him a huge threat in himself but also his kicking game is a little bit more sophisticated than that of Jackson.

“I think we’ll see him turn the big French wingers quite a bit.

“It looks like an extremely strong Irish team.

“There may be a big difference on the bench with [Peter] O’Mahony, [Andrew] Trimble, [Iain] Henderson, [Cian] Healy all waiting to come on, although that is a monstrous French pack, maybe the biggest we’ve seen in the Six Nations, led by [Louis] Picamoles at number 8.

“I just think Ireland will have too much for them.

“It’s really important. If Ireland lose this game then you can forget about the rest of the Six Nations, [it will] become very difficult to keep any momentum.

“We can expect a physical challenge from them but whether they are technically good enough, I don’t think so.”

What do you think? Has Schmidt made the right decision?