James Ryan ready to fill leadership void left by absent Johnny Sexton

Leinster lock Ryan explained how he had idolised his team-mate growing up, talked him up as a person and as a player, and left no-one in any doubt as to the veteran out-half’s influence on Leinster and on Ireland

UNITED THEY STAND: Argentina’s players form a huddle after yesterday’s training session in Dublin. The Pumas will face an ultra-confident Ireland team on Sunday. Picture: Inpho/Juan Gasparini

James Ryan obviously wasn’t thinking ahead to the visit of Argentina to Dublin this week when he praised Johnny Sexton from the rafters at the end of October and made himself a hostage to fortune.

The Leinster lock explained how he had idolised his team-mate growing up, talked him up as a person and as a player, and left no-one in any doubt as to the veteran out-half’s influence on Leinster and on Ireland.