Tommy Martin: Sexton at 10 is like corporation tax and the Gulf Stream, precarious but vital

The sense that Sexton exists at a whole other conceptual level was only confirmed in his absence last November. After marshalling Ireland to victory over South Africa, Sexton was rested for the Fiji game and pulled up lame before Australia.

VITAL: Ireland's Johnny Sexton.

The anxiety that comes over Irish rugby fans whenever Jonathan Sexton gets injured is of a very specific kind. It is full of context and nuance and revealing of the national mindset.

Sexton at number 10 is like corporation tax and the Gulf Stream, a thing whose existence is precarious and without which Ireland would be banjaxed. Interest in his welfare is more than the normal concern about a key player. For the Irish team, it is existential, fundamental, foundational.