Six Nations Preview | Sexton-less Selections, English potential and why leadership groups work

Leinster player Will Connors joins Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill and Lindsay Peat in the House of Rugby studio as we look ahead to the Six Nations.
They chat with Will about Leinster’s season so far, his effectiveness with the chop-tackle and what Jacques Nienabar has brought to the province.
They preview the Six Nations tournament, running through the strengths and weaknesses of every team, who to watch and any potential upsets in the tournament.
And they look at Ireland’s selection headaches from Jack Crowley to Joe McCarthy, and the potential boom or bust scenario in their opening game against France on Friday in Marseille.

[@Rugby-xp1wh]

Connors should have been selected for the 6 Nations. Hope to see him on the SA tour this summer

[@ciaranbrk]

Agreed he is on form he should have been one of the first names in the forwards.

[@andrewbrennan4423]

This wholly-Irish melancholic bemoaning that Sexton has left is gazing into the past, not looking to the future. It's problematic and psychologically hampering. The end was nigh when O'Driscoll retired, but we found Ringrose; O'Gara was irreplaceable, but then came Sexton; the sentinel O'Connell departed, and with him, our timber felled, but up grew Ryan, Henderson, Beirne, McCarthy; Keith Woods was Ireland's best, but now Sheehan and Kelleher have come. Cease with the cult of personality around Sexton. One man does not make a team, particularly in a team sport like rugby.

[@Sineadhawk]

Yeah your right but we didn’t have the depth at no.10 over the years unfortunately

[@jmo8934]

As soon as we play the first game / tournament the media will stop banging on about Sexton. Especially if another fly half plays well.

[@Sineadhawk]

@@jmo8934 probably not.. you have to understand sexton was at the position for a long time.He is the highest points scorer in six nations. 4th in the world, world rugby player of the year and a former captain that had ireland win a grand slam last year. His name won’t be dropped at all any time soon. Crowley is 24, a lot of expectations.

[@barryryan14]

Sexton was 24 when he made his Ireland debut. He's retired. Move on and back the next man and the next. The way these three talked about Sexton, who I love is way ott.​@@Sineadhawk

[@Sineadhawk]

@@barryryan14 i agree with you btw. But it’s just how it is is unfortunately

[@mikedee171]

Marcus Smith looks like he might be out.

[@conordia6906]

Pretty dark lads? Going for a moody night club look? Where's the dry ice

[@Frankabagnale33]

PhD in tackles? 🤦🏻‍♂️😐

[@jmo8934]

That grant money sure is being well spent.

[@calitza]

Maybe if Ireland stops calling themselves the best team in the world before they won anything. It could help.

[@burncarlow]

Didn't hear anyone saying it.

[@ciaranbrk]

They are though you cant argue with excellent form over the last 3 years.

[@calitza]

@@ciaranbrk one major trophy (when wales were on strike and England we introducing themselves to their coach) is not something to call yourself the best in the world for

[@calitza]

@@terminusest6068 it’s a vague system that reflects teams standing. Ireland continuity due to selecting from only one club is what gives them the advantage over their rivals who do not have that luxury for various reasons. Only when world cups come around and all teams have months together do you see where there teams actually stand…hence why the 1/4 is not a jinx but a ceiling

[@calitza]

@@terminusest6068 number one club status without a major trophy in what…5 years…ha I was explaining why Ireland is successful between world cups. But when the playing field is even…their short comings are evident for all to see

[@chrisnolan8885]

Mens’ game preview but the man is outnumbered two to one explain

[@kevinwillis6707]

This is almost unlistenable due to the mumbling..

[@bampie1]

The state of Irish and European rugby can be can be summed up in one phrase "The rugby world cup" northern Europe is irrelevant

[@jmo8934]

Not really sure what you even mean by that.

[@Sineadhawk]

Another saffa in the comments, If it was irrelevant then only 2 teams in the world would ever play rugby. Also rugby only became pro in 1995 . Let that sink in

[@aaronreid116]

Are all saffas narcissists?

[@NTL578]

They're just the worst.

[@ciaranbrk]

The world cup is pointless you can be abject for 3/4 years show up for a month and a half and call yourself world champions. I think having it every four years is pointless needs to be an anual or no anual world series. A straight knockout cup you lose once bye bye.