Sexton’s seen it all with Cheika

From a confidence boost as a Leinster U20 to being targeted as the British and Irish Lions playmaker, Johnny Sexton has experienced the full range of Michael Cheika compliments and a fair few run-ins with the Australia coach besides.

Yet as IRB world player of the year nominee Sexton’s Ireland bid to upstage Cheika’s Wallabies tomorrow at Aviva Stadium, the Ireland fly-half has nothing but gratitude for the impact the Australian head coach has had on his career.

The Racing Metro star was given his Leinster debut by Cheika in January 2006 but suffered the frustration of having to wait three years to make the blue number 10 jersey his own, his progress blocked by Felipe Contepomi and causing some heated discussions with his then provincial boss.