Johnny Sexton’s ‘obsessive’ mentality similar to Jonny Wilkinson – Mike Catt

Sexton can become the championship’s outright all-time leading points scorer this weekend.

Ed Elliot
Friday 17 March 2023 13:33 GMT
Johnny Sexton could become the Six Nations’ leading points scorer this weekend (Mike Egerton/PA)
Johnny Sexton could become the Six Nations’ leading points scorer this weekend (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Mike Catt believes Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton is similar to his former England team-mate Jonny Wilkinson in being a “completely different mental animal”.

Sexton will look to sign off a stellar Guinness Six Nations career in style by leading his country to the Grand Slam with a St Patrick’s weekend victory over England in Dublin.

The 37-year-old, who is set to retire following the autumn World Cup in France, can also become the championship’s outright all-time leading points scorer during Saturday’s swansong after drawing level with Ronan O’Gara’s tally of 557 last weekend.

Ireland assistant coach Catt lifted the 2003 World Cup alongside Wilkinson and feels there are plenty of parallels between the two fly-halves named Jonathan.

“They’re both obsessive, they’re just completely different mental animals,” Catt said of Sexton and Wilkinson.

“They’re so in the moment, they’re so in the game. Everything means a hell of a lot.

“They’re deep thinkers of the game and it’s bringing that freedom out of them so they can go and perform that’s the crucial thing.

“But how they make people feel around them is what they’re very, very good at as well.

“When you stand next to a Jonny Wilkinson or a Johnny Sexton, you feel pretty special.

“There are a lot of comparisons in there but ultimately you’ve got to deliver on the hype on the big stage and both Johnny’s have done that. Let’s see what Johnny can do tomorrow.”

England clinched the 2003 Grand Slam at Lansdowne Road before Wilkinson and Catt went on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in Australia eight months later.

Andy Farrell’s Ireland have similar ambitions this year and Catt believes the progression of the world’s top-ranked team has “gripped the nation”.

“It’s going to be a great weekend,” said Catt.

“I think the fans have been amazing, the way the boys have played has definitely gripped the nation in terms of the success we’ve had over the past year.

“But, as a group, we’re not going to get too emotional over the whole thing.”

England crossed the Irish Sea on Thursday having been stung by a record-breaking Twickenham humiliation at the hands of France which emphatically wiped them out of title contention.

Catt is wary of an “exceptionally dangerous” visiting team packed with “proper X factor” players and singled out the strength of Steve Borthwick’s backs, including wing Henry Arundell, who will make his full Test debut.

“We’re massively respectful of that side, especially from a backline point of view,” said Catt.

“There’s no way we’re thinking anything other than it’s going to be a tough, tough Test match.

“They’ve got some proper X factor and I think Arundell is one of those players that we haven’t seen a massive amount of but, if he gets the ball, he can cause absolute chaos.

“They are exceptionally dangerous across the board and we’re well aware of that.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in