Johnny Sexton: I need to get better at biting my tongue with refs

If Sexton is on Jacques Nienaber’s mind this week then it is because of the Ireland captain’s abilities as a playmaker rather than any influence he may have over the match officials

WORK ON: Jonathan Sexton says he has to work on separating the opposition and the ref and not putting them into the same category. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

If Johnny Sexton is on Jacques Nienaber’s mind this week then it is because of the Ireland captain’s abilities as a playmaker rather than any influence he may have over the match officials at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday.

Sexton’s tendency to shoot from the lip has always been a part of his game and it is one that has extended into his deliberations with referees since taking over the armband with club and country.