RUGBY ANALYSIS | Why is Johnny Sexton the World's MOST EFFECTIVE 10?

I've wanted to do a Johnny Sexton tribute video for a long time, so wound the clock back from some analysis of his career from his test debut against Fiji, until now. The man is an absolute legend and will be leaving Irish Rugby in a better place than he found it.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
1:33 - Sexton’s Early Test Career
3:12 - 2013 Lions Tour
3:40 - The “Sexton Loop” Tactic
6:11 - Ad Break
6:12 - 2017 Lions Tour & Injuries
10:16 - 2018 - His Golden Year
14:05 - Ad Break 2
14:06 - Captaincy & Turning Down Retirement
16:18 - Analysis of Sexton’s Modern Day Game
21:32 - Sexton’s Legacy & Video Conclusion
23:13 - Thanks to Patrons
I must state that in NO way, shape or form am I intending to infringe rights of the copyright holder. Content used is strictly for research/reviewing and analysis purposes to help educate. All under the Fair Use law.
"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use."
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[@naomhfermin]

He didn't fail to make the All lions. They failed to pick him

[@TheBlackJersey]

Okay man that’s a fair point 🤣

[@luis1970melbs]

Totally valid point about the Lions, would have been better to get Sexton in than Biggar for sure!

[@jondoyle44]

Sexton and Van Der Flier, didn't travel on that lions tour.... The best thing that ever happened to Irish rugby. 😂

[@Timdoyle-pq5wg]

Lol so so so true. It was Warren Gatlan ffs.....

[@paulymullo]

It was Irelands gain,we have just beaten sth africa with sexton playing brilliant 2023 world cup,Ireland are favs now

[@johnnyryan656]

Honestly the day our Murray and Sexton duo sees it's end will be quite emotional

[@TheBlackJersey]

Yeah they’ve been excellent for Ireland for a long time!

[@darragh47]

Sixton is the bist nambah tin The kiwi accent is wonderful ❤

[@darragh47]

@@richardmatatahi4563 yis ut uz

[@Natedawg38]

What can ya say? He's a pretty amazing player and like all legends has a shed load of detractors. There's no doubt though he is one of the hardest working 10s to ever put on the green jersey. A total factory.

[@TheBlackJersey]

Yeah mate all of the greatest legends always get hated by their opponents for being so good 😂😂😂

[@khalimblank]

Dont understand Owen Farrell above Sexton. In 2017 Lions Sexton moving to ten with farrell to 12 massively improved the lions attack. Farrell has played most of his test rugby at 12 as well. Enjoyed the vid!

[@TheBlackJersey]

Cheers for watching man. The Farrell-Sexton all-time legacies are very close, Farrell is just slightly ahead in my opinion as he’s been on more Lions tours, has made a World Cup final and has scored more test points 🙌

[@daysofmkty3029]

His vision understanding of the game.. is remarkable

[@bhljuju]

This is an absolute masterclass of a video man 🙌

[@TheBlackJersey]

Cheers brother 💪

[@TheDiablosix6six]

Sexton is by far a better player and all round number 10 than Farrell!!

[@DM-rp9ik]

Definitely a better 10 and a player at his peak people forget when Farrell was at his peak Sexton was 34 will be interesting to see if Farrell has anything like the 6 years Sexton had after 30

[@TheBlackJersey]

No harm in thinking that, they’re in similar present-day form and have a similar all-time reputation 😏

[@DM-rp9ik]

@@TheBlackJersey Two sides to it Farrell actually plays 12 in almost all of England's successful tournaments he's actually got a patchy enough record as a 10 the 2015 RWC losses to Wales and Australia 2017 loss to New Zealand Ireland 2018 the 2019 loss to Wales and Draw with Scotland now some of these games you could argue only so much he can do but losing a 31 point lead at home to Scotland a good 10 would put a stop to that come back. Ford is actually England's best 10 imo but Farrell is the poster boy a bit like Wilkinson in the day can do no wrong.

[@walla9613]

Brilliant analysis MaX and couldn’t agree more with his effectiveness vs those with a superior skill set. I’m sure even Johnny himself would appreciate this video. Let’s hope his body can hold up through the WC. Most enjoyable video yet, yes being totally biased here lol but great work again pal 👏👏👏

[@TheBlackJersey]

As long as he wouldn’t find the video bad then I’m happy with that aye 🤣

[@TheBlackJersey]

@@tinavercoe7389maybe 😂

[@ciaranbrk]

Here I the thing Max, Ross Byrne just schooled Ntemack last week and is Irelands back up fly half so I honestly can’t agree that Ntemack is currently the best he is an excellent fly half though definitely in the top 5.

[@roboconnor8079]

To be fair he got shifted out to centre where he’s not that good versus when he’s at 10

[@eatmyshamrock]

Yeah, Ntamack's had a quiet year by his standards

[@notthisprickagain8499]

I still think Jalibert is France's most talented fly half. Ntamack only starts because of his relationship with Dupont.

[@TheBlackJersey]

@@notthisprickagain8499I can get behind a statement of talent, Ntamack is just a better game manager and defender than Jalibert.

[@TheBlackJersey]

I don’t really factor in club-level performances into my opinion of a test player, unless they’re looking for a re-call, debut or are being compared to their test-level teammates.

[@user-wl6id7bw9g]

Great analysis on Sextons career , one of the best so far , fair play dude👍

[@luis1970melbs]

What a video man, so good!

[@nickjohns1192]

One of the best verbal descriptions of any rugby players. I love Sexton but have become one of his biggest critics in his last few years. Only because I love to see building not get stuck relaying on the old relatable. Thank god I was wrong

[@ciarandoylebpb]

Really enjoyed it Max, well put together.

[@TheBlackJersey]

Cheers Ciaran 🙏

[@ivanhughes8699]

Really good analysis chief. Solid job.🇮🇪❤🏉

[@wgiblet]

Great video and really appreciate all the effort making content like this.

[@TheBlackJersey]

Thanks so much for watching man 🙌

[@fionnoconnell1539]

The greatest player to ever put on the shirt for us

[@inBODwetrust13]

Still BOD

[@mariannugent3179]

And Paul o Connell

[@andremaube5069]

ROG first

[@nickjohns1192]

Lads wer arguing over apples and oranges. Different players but all legends If you remember the five nations and how bad We were to where we are now It's not often we can say Ireland is number one at anything. Don't judge just appreciate it🇮🇪♥️

[@gerardkelsh1011]

If you want to limit sexton I recommend that your entire team wear sunglasses. He's reading your eyes guys ALL THE TIME.

[@leeobrien9348]

Well done mate. Top notch objective analysis

[@TheBlackJersey]

Well I mean I try to keep it that way 😂 Cheers for watching my man 🙌

[@paraic9163]

Marcus Smith is faster and has better feet but is absolutely not more skillful. Sexton is a better passer, kicker and game manager (that is also a skill).

[@jonathantucker9626]

brilliant video love to see it

[@TheBlackJersey]

Cheers Jonathan 🙌

[@frankmurphy8786]

great work.

[@TheBlackJersey]

Cheers Frank 🙌

[@Timdoyle-pq5wg]

Love the content, thank you

[@TheBlackJersey]

Cheers for viewing the video Tim, much appreciated!

[@robinwolahan6303]

Great video mate

[@TheBlackJersey]

Thanks so much my man 😎

[@conor9848]

Marcus Smith isn’t even the 2nd best 10 in England

[@TheBlackJersey]

Of course he isn’t, he’s the very best 😏

[@martintoland1595]

@@TheBlackJersey 🤔"Smith"...really🤔?? I seriously question your logic..but then I guess you need to keep your English subscribers engaged somehow...& sure why not flick them some flimsy fleck of.... hope.!🤭 Let's see how "his" career develops & if he manages to progress as good or far enough to become a "permanent target" & survive as many "bone-crunching" tackles as Sexton has in his dedication to the game & his.. ☘️"Team In Green"☘️ I certainly doubt if he'll ever outwit or measure up to Sexton's "on-field" skill, foresight & ability to orchestrate & instigate the "in-game" inventiveness of.. "The GOAT" 👑Sexton.👑

[@TheBlackJersey]

@@martintoland1595 I think I have more Irish subscribers man 😂🔥

[@brianboru1878]

Incredible video. So insightful. Johnny will ultimately be remembered depending how Ireland perform this Autumn in France.

[@TheBlackJersey]

Cheers for watching Brian 😎

[@conwayniall]

Love it ❤ 🎉

[@TheBlackJersey]

Cheers mate 🙏

[@gavinlaird85]

great stuff👍

[@TheBlackJersey]

Cheers mate 🙌

[@wattiewatt]

Fantastic video.. Loved your analysis. I did wonder where you would place Finn Russell after his work for Scotland this season and his amazing work for Racing92.

[@TheBlackJersey]

I’ve discussed Russell a lot before. Really appreciate you viewing 🙌

[@onlookervb]

I felt my blood rising but I get what you mean, sextons never been the most talented or gifted 10 in the world at any stage In his career but has always out thought and out played the more talented ones , side note: o gara also called bod a nobody so take that quote with a grain of salt

[@pityfool23]

Brilliant

[@TheBlackJersey]

Always appreciated 🙏

[@darragh47]

Great video, spoke clearly and slowly. Unlike that other guy...

[@darragh47]

@@NZTrumpFan Bloody Wokes! Comin over 'ere, stealing our jobs and our women!

[@TheBlackJersey]

Women aren’t property to steal. Men and women were created by God to assist each other in life, not to own each other…

[@cringycook9597]

​@@NZTrumpFan Never really went with the squidge rugby brigade regardless of his following

[@michaelquinlan1976]

​​@@TheBlackJersey It's a reference to the comedy classic Father Ted, the "I hear you're a racist now Father" episode. Which has an antiracist message to be clear.

[@TheBlackJersey]

@@michaelquinlan1976okay good, I thought for a minute I’d attracted some comments I didn’t want to see 😥

[@doug17120]

Kinda insulting comparing both English 10s to Sexton! Apart from that, well made and informative 👌

[@johnnyryan656]

Farrell is in the Sexton category As for Smith no chance

[@doug17120]

@@johnnyryan656 yea, including Smith kinda irked me a little! 🤣

[@johnnyryan656]

@@doug17120 Especially as an Irishman

[@TheBlackJersey]

There aren’t a lot of world-class 10s running around these days, so I simply had a yarn about Sexton having more influence in the team than some blokes with a wider range of skills.

[@tommysmith7031]

The GOAT of rugby KZbin channels

[@TheBlackJersey]

Thanks man! I always appreciate these comments but I think all credit must go to the 1014 who were my main inspirations 🙌 Hakatime Rugby definitely played his part in encouraging me to begin this channel too, absolutely awesome bloke 💯

[@tommysmith7031]

@@TheBlackJersey Fair play, it's great that you recognise the people who supported you. You are dedicated and hard working, you produce compelling videos. Just a bit of random trivia if you want to impress some random Irish people, 1014 was the year of the Battle of Clontarf where Brian Boru defeated foreign enemies to free Ireland. Clontarf is where Brian O'Driscoll grew up.

[@TheBlackJersey]

I’ll try remember those my bro, might come in handy for a quiz aye 😂🙌

[@shakes.dontknowwhatyergettin]

"diplayed", lol. Excellent analysis, as usual. He sometimes reminds me of that brand of NFL Quarterback who are, on the surface, well behind their peers both physically and technically, but consistently dominate them because they know how to "run an offense" and are consistently "clutch". I've always felt that the long standing Ireland model of overwhelming reliance on a physically inferior fly half dictator was fundamentally vulnerable to comprehensive disintegration when push came to shove, but the system seems to have matured into something pretty damn robust these days. I guess we'll see if it all goes tits up during the World Cup, yet again.

[@TheBlackJersey]

Yes I remember making that wee blunder while recording 🤣🤣🤣 Also, the rest of your comment pretty much sums up Sexton compared to other modern 10’s 💯

[@kerplunc9192]

Marcus smith......come on

[@wattiewatt]

But he's great to watch. Must admit my heart sank when I saw him selected against Scotland this season, but he can't do it all by himself, and he had the misfortune to be matched against Fin in stunning form. I'd rather watch the magic of Marcus Smith than the horrible tackling and dubious tactics of Farrell.

[@AwlriteBOB]

Some great detail in here. Tons of credit goes to Farrell for creating a structure that builds on Sexton’s strengths working with the rest of a very talented squad. As far as the best 10 argument goes, a good way of gauging it is whether that player would make a world XV. Sexton could make the cut depending on the squad. I think Barrett is massively underrated at the moment. But no way Marcus smith makes the cut with that criteria. One good step and some flair isn’t enough.

[@CRAiCED.]

This is probably one of the worst rugby cenetered comment sections ive ever seen. Nothing but hate and contempt for someone who is apparently 'overhyped'. Even mentioning Smith once is a crime but several times is rugby blasphemy when comparing to Sexton. Sexton is unfortunately not the #1 10 in the world but who cares? He's the best leader in the world right now and you see that time and time again at how team have a bloodlust to run at him and get him injured as fast as possible before he holds the oppostion hostage. Think before you type repugnant words comment section

[@TheBlackJersey]

Yeah man I think people take Sexton’s impact for granted for sure. This comments section definitely needs a clean up 😂

[@sean5409]

What's an effictive tin?

[@TheBlackJersey]

A material you use to store beer

[@paulymullo]

Sexton is the best 10,best game manager and most points ever for Ireland,anyone who doesnt see that he is Irelands best ever player,does not understand rugby and how its played,Jonny is wold class,the reason why Ireland are no1 in the world and he is 38,i wish we could have Sexton forever,🇮🇪💚🇮🇪

[@Mumbo_Jumbo_Kiwi.1]

Though I don't agree with everything mentioned here, it's a fair perspective. One hypothetical argument; would Sexton function as effectively under current AB coaching?

[@TheBlackJersey]

“How would be function under current ABs coaching?” Simple, he’d be the Head Coach in all but name 😂

[@chrisdutoit8843]

The GOAT... Dan Carter... ever

[@nickjohns1192]

This Irishman agrees.. dan was just scary to watch n play against. Change of guard tho...new generation 🇮🇪♥️AB

[@2cool4school4ever]

Marcus Smith 😂

[@kerplunc9192]

How much difference is the word effective over best?

[@TheBlackJersey]

I see the "best" player in a position as the one with the widest-ranging skillset. Ntamack is the world's best 10 because he (like Mo'unga and Smith) has a world-class defensive game, pace, agility, offloading and distribution; all three of them have a criminally underrated game management ability too. I see Ntamack as better than Smith and Mo'unga right now as he gets to have the most say in his team's on-field tactics due to stringing game time together more consistently. Sexton no longer makes huge dominant hits on defence or uses his running game a lot due to his age, but remains incredibly solid as a runner when the opportunities do indeed open. Although Sexton's prime years were the late 2010's, the fact that he remains in these conversations past his prime is what makes him one of the greats.

[@ronansimpson6807]

Marcus Smith is overrated. Let's hope this Ireland team can smash the world cup though. Good video...

[@TheBlackJersey]

Cheers mate, glad you liked it 🙌

[@JohnSmith-wo2fz]

Wait why is owen Farrell above him at the end? (do a video on him)

[@TheBlackJersey]

I’ve previously done a video on the Smith-Farrell 10-12 axis and how it’s needed by England. I barely see anything that separates Sexton from Farrell. Farrell has accumulated more test points in a shorter time frame, been on more Lions tours and gone to a RWC final so that’s all that’s separating them. Farrell is also young enough to overtake Sexton’s Six Nations record, while he plays 2 positions.

[@TheBlackJersey]

I’ve got the video just here 👇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6Kmp4NvpMeYfNE

[@WilkeyAlex]

Didn’t think this video could get better until you name dropped Dryden Vos and I audibly gasped. In all seriousness, Ireland and France are the two favourites for the World Cup (going on current form) and I believe if they lose to anyone else other than each other it will be an upset

[@TheBlackJersey]

I took too long doing my research cause I’m not Irish so thought I’d make up for Star Wars day 😂😂😂

[@WilkeyAlex]

@@TheBlackJersey the research definitely payed off, really interesting and insightful video and even as a Munster man and ROG fan, it is impossible to discredit the effectiveness of Sexton since his arrival on the scene.

[@TheBlackJersey]

@@WilkeyAlexcheers man 🙌

[@smokeymcpot8311]

Dan Carter GOAT

[@nickjohns1192]

There's no doubt about carter that man was unbelievable 🇮🇪♥️ carter n alot of ABs

[@donwilk7588]

So if you selected the most effective 10 for your team instead of the best 10 you'd be selecting the fourth best 10? Do I have that right?

[@TheBlackJersey]

Yes. Effectiveness regarding game management and all-round skill are different match-day attributes. Sexton's ability to bring pre-planned coaching decisions to life has allowed him to play well past his prime and remain the world's best game-management 10.

[@desmondlewis2919]

He was n great player but O'Driscoll surely one of thee best Ireys players

[@coatknight]

Certain players just have BMT at a higher level.

[@anthonylennon8331]

I don’t understand how you can call Sexton the most effective yet not the best currently. Is the goal not to be effective and thereby win games. You can have all the skill in the world and have it count for nothing point in case Simon Zebo. Turned out to be a bit of an all round disappointment. Flare and skill counts for little without game knowledge, understanding and discipline. i think you fail to look at the sexton mentality. Doing basics very very well. The entire Irish team have bought into that idea.

[@Moggy471]

It's the pack mate.

[@inBODwetrust13]

Marcus Smith? Seriously?

[@TheBlackJersey]

Yes. Have previously made a video about how criminally underrated the Smith-Farrell axis is 🔥

[@inBODwetrust13]

@@TheBlackJersey certainly showed it in the Six Nations

[@michaeldaly7630]

Don't forget jonny wilkinson

[@TheBlackJersey]

I don’t rate his legacy as highly as other 10’s, was a bloke that never quite got a long-term run in his prime after taking so many injuries.

[@rahowherox1177]

Partly coz of the pack in front of hum.

[@shaneoballs]

That’s the point of the game though, Carter isn’t as good without the 8 forwards and the threat of the backs outside of him.

[@Diarmuid-Quirke]

Great video. One issue you called Owen Farrell a great. The only thing he is is a disappointment child to a legendary coach.

[@TheBlackJersey]

If you say so bro ha ha, cheers for your support man 😂🙌

[@bernieob9577]

I think Andy is very proud of his son because he is a wonderful human you don't kick your son when he is going through a bad patch.

[@deselby6669]

@imjustsimplybetter2346…Unnecessary comment..Small of you.

[@PlushyPlay1]

He plays for his country

[@nickjohns1192]

As an Irishman man .... if you think Owen Is not class that man could walk into 99.99999% of teams.. yes he can tackle poorly or deliberately put in a poor tackle. He is or was sum kicker and a general and trust me as an Irishman it hurts me to say it but the lads is world class

[@paulymullo]

Irelandare gonna win the 2023 world cup,it will be lifted by Jonny🇮🇪💚🇮🇪

[@franko2053]

Would say Pollard and Biggar are more effective, but yeah whomever gets the clicks and creates controversy will get the most mentions.

[@KnucksM8]

Biggar? More effective than Sexton😭sorry mate but are you Welsh sure sounds like it

[@franko2053]

@@KnucksM8 Nope I'm South African, and I've seen Biggar carry Wales much more than Sexton ever did Ireland. The Irish always like to overhype certain players like Brian O'Driscoll where as in reality he always looked average against the Springbok or All Black midfield (Jean de Villiers, Jaques Fourie, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu era)

[@daire1012]

I think sexton is clear of owen farrel, he doesnt have discipline

[@kookvision9295]

Tactical kicking was always meh, played behind Murray who took that responsibility where Ireland saw a lot of success. Went to racing in his prime and was awful without the Leinster pack ahead of him. Great player and Ireland rely on him more than any other team relies on any player. But is nowhere near the goat .

[@therugbynoise2116]

Rubbish sexton is good but yea na

[@oliverlyons2221]

defo didn't tear apart pretty much every team this year. Kiwis looked like a high school team in that series

[@jbfanclub1]

If you’re gonna argue he’s not the most effective 10 in the world, you’d have to start by naming someone more effective. So in essence the arguments starts and stops there.

[@TheBlackJersey]

Don’t worry man, I have the impression that he commented before finishing the introduction segment 😅 As I said in the video itself, I think a few people confuse skill and effectiveness.

[@DM-rp9ik]

​@@NZTrumpFanI'd agree but this problem goes back further than Foster the ABs need a rebuild of their tight 5 you could go back to Chicago and Dublin 2018 where these issues started to appear not as recently as 2021

[@TheBlackJersey]

@@DM-rp9ikShag is the real reason for it all. He inherited several of Ted’s greats though, so the “Henry Effect” didn’t really start to show cracks until 2016. Because Shag made no efforts to fix those cracks, I saw the 2019 semi-final result coming from the day the draw was made. Fozzie still hasn’t learned from Shag’s errors either.