Brian O’Driscoll believes his former teammate Jonathan Sexton could play for Ireland at the next Rugby World Cup.
Speaking on Thursday’s Off the Ball, O’Driscoll reckons Sexton is so driven he could play right into his 40s.
“I know Johnny feels that he can get to the next World Cup and that’s only three years away, so I believe that is absolutely achievable," said O'Driscoll.
“I met him over lockdown, and he is in the best shape that I have ever seen him. Mentally he is as hungry as ever.
"He is one player who doesn’t have other focuses. He doesn’t take his eye off the ball.
“He’s not thinking about retirement, he’s just thinking about the medals he can accumulate and get to the holy grail of a World Cup semi-final with Ireland.”
Focusing on his style of play which has resulted in injuries for the current Irish captain over the years, O’Driscoll said Sexton will not change.
“I think he will have to be minded. He is a guy who wants to play often but he will have to weigh that up with the little injuries he is carrying.
“There is no way that Johnny is going to change the way he tackles, change body position, change height of tackle, change head movement.
"He is now 35 years old and has done it for years. He is not changing and that is just wishful thinking.
“That’s just Johnny Sexton's game. Will he have the occasion head collision because of it? Yes, but he is not changing because that’s what made him a winner for so long.”
O’Driscoll believes one reason Sexton will not change his style is due to his mentality.
“Johnny is the most stubborn man I know," says O'Driscoll.
"He said to me one time that 75% of the time he’s right and for the other 25%, 'I’ll tell people that I’m right.'
“He has incredible upper body strength. How many times have we seen him hold up a big number 12?
"He’s a brilliant defender and the tackling is part of that, and you don’t want to take that away.”
Team of Us. Everyone in.
Vodafone. The main sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
