Ireland need ‘fear factor’, reckons Johnny Sexton

Johnny Sexton has rejected suggestions that Ireland have peaked a year too early. The Ireland and Leinster No10 shrugged off claims that Joe Schmidt’s team found top gear too soon, with the Rugby World Cup in Japan still over three months away.

Ireland claimed the 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam before beating Australia down under and picking up a first ever home victory over New Zealand. In the middle, Leinster completed an unprecedented league and European double. But 2019 has been a lot different, with Leinster losing their European title and Ireland finishing third in the Six Nations, with defeats to England and Wales along the way.