France V Ireland – Stade de France, Paris. Sunday 4th March 15:00 RTE2 & BBC2

twinytwo

Benny Cake wrote: »

It's sad that you perceive it like this. The dogs on the street know Sexton is there on merit. However, ROG is entitled to believe in himself personally. Would you rather all interviewees were like Kidney, & never spoke their mind?

Finally, as anybody who has spent time warming the bench will tell you, there is very little "personal satisfaction" from the team winning without you contributing. Anybody who says otherwise is talking through their ring.

dont worry benny... haters are aways going to hate

dub_skav

Benny Cake wrote: »

It's sad that you perceive it like this. The dogs on the street know Sexton is there on merit. However, ROG is entitled to believe in himself personally. Would you rather all interviewees were like Kidney, & never spoke their mind?

Finally, as anybody who has spent time warming the bench will tell you, there is very little "personal satisfaction" from the team winning without you contributing. Anybody who says otherwise is talking through their ring.

Well that's a fair enough opinion from you.
I don't think rog ever comes across as likeable, he might be honest, but his interviews do him no favors

irishbucsfan

Benny Cake wrote: »

irishbucsfan wrote: »

So he takes no satisfaction from a team win because he can't take credit and he is also coming out in the national media suggesting he's not being selected even though he's the better player. Not surprising though tbh.

It's sad that you perceive it like this. The dogs on the street know Sexton is there on merit. However, ROG is entitled to believe in himself personally. Would you rather all interviewees were like Kidney, & never spoke their mind?

Finally, as anybody who has spent time warming the bench will tell you, there is very little "personal satisfaction" from the team winning without you contributing. Anybody who says otherwise is talking through their ring.

I'm perfectly happy for players to be honest. Doesn't mean I then have to worship everything they say when they are. I am all for O'Gara's right to tell everyone how selfless he is or all for Joey Barton to tweet away about how terrible the people who pay him are. However, I also reserve the right to form my own opinion on what they do say.


I completely disagree with your second point. If your team wins you take satisfaction. Whether you are starting, on the bench, or in the stands. If you come off the bench and score two tries you will take more satisfaction, obviously.

durkadurka

It's pretty undignified if you ask me. It's subtle undermining of Sextons position. He should be told to stfu.

And I get really irritated at rte fanning the flames by showing ROG whenever sexton takes a kick. It's ridiculous . Sexton is picked and that's it.

irishbucsfan

danthefan wrote: »

Really? Again, since Sexton has come on the scene I don't think there's been a single game that we were losing when Sexton came off for us to win after ROG was introduced.

Don't think there has been one. But I'd definitely prefer to have ROG on for a drop goal drive or a stoppage time touchline kick. The guy relishes those moments.

twinytwo

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I'm perfectly happy for players to be honest. Doesn't mean I then have to worship everything they say when they are. I am all for O'Gara's right to tell everyone how selfless he is or all for Joey Barton to tweet away about how terrible the people who pay him are. However, I also reserve the right to form my own opinion on what they do say.


I completely disagree with your second point. If your team wins you take satisfaction. Whether you are starting, on the bench, or in the stands. If you come off the bench and score two tries you will take more satisfaction, obviously.

Seriously take the chip off your shouder... if you were in his shoes you wouldnt be happy coming off the bench either for the last 5 mins of a game.

Typh

I feel as if some are being a bit disingenuous and unfair on O’Gara, their comments worsened by how out of context they are given the fact that this jaded argument is given such valid import a matter of hours before playing. In Paris. I think the guy’s given enough for this many years that he’s earned a more substantive argument against him than trite digs about being delusional or egotistical, selfish or undignified, or even poor in the jersey overall.

While I concede that I think a 10 should have some level of ego, firmly grounded in ability, does it not simply display his hunger to play? Before he fades into the ignored tones of selection? You’d swear some people think of O’Gara as some petulant child sitting on the sideline, biding his time for Sexton error. Anyway, while I’m marginally disappointed that DR and Reddan aren’t starting, I’m looking forward to the game immensely.

irishbucsfan

Yeah actually O'Gara doesnt have to take satisfaction from playing for his country because he's a legend.

Edit: to he clear that is mildly sarcastic

totallegend

I have to say, I have little enough time for ROG (since I read his book) but I didn't find anything particularly objectionable about that interview when I read it yesterday, fairly innocuous I thought.

And can we all stop with the "haters gonna hate" line? It sounds like something from an episode of Fresh Prince, circa 1990.

dtpc191991

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0303/1224312711321.html

This guy seems to get it. Why don't we make him head coach.

DDC1990

Wow, talk about taking that O'Gara article the wrong way!

Some of the reaction here is like reading the fúcking Redtops!

"O'Gara not happy unless he is center of attention"

ROG gave an honest and open interview, he said exactly what everyone knew he was feeling.

You'd be mad to think he gained any satisfaction from coming on the field with 10 minutes to go against a beaten Italy side, knowing that he wouldn't even get to take place kicks!

This is a man, who lives for pressure. He's won Heiniken Cups, Grand Slams and World Cup games with vital kicks.

He doesn't want to play a bit part role in a game against Italy. You saw that with his first penalty kick. He decided to go for a spectacular kick to make his mark, and get it right in the corner. Instead he left it short and it didn't make it to touch. To me that said it all. If he felt the game was on the line, he would have banged it into touch, 10m back from where he aimed and got on with the game.

Just relax, not everything O'Gara does is trying to undermine Sexton.

Fishooks12

Kidney lambasted for not speaking his mind, ROG lambasted for doing so.

Ego is as much a part of an outhalf as his passing game. Sexton has bags of it too, although maybe not as much as our ROG

danthefan

Fishooks12 wrote: »

Kidney lambasted for not speaking his mind, ROG lambasted for doing so.

Ego is as much a part of an outhalf as his passing game. Sexton has bags of it too, although maybe not as much as our ROG

Nope, that isn't it. You don't find a single other player in Irish rugby attempt to undermine the player in competition for their place in the media. ROG has attempted it a few times at this stage.

Fishooks12

Fishooks12 wrote: »

Kidney lambasted for not speaking his mind, ROG lambasted for doing so.

Ego is as much a part of an outhalf as his passing game. Sexton has bags of it too, although maybe not as much as our ROG

I reckon Kidney has always spoken his mind tbh.

He doesn't have much to say because he doesn't really know that much about rugby!

phog

danthefan wrote: »

Nope, that isn't it. You don't find a single other player in Irish rugby attempt to undermine the player in competition for their place in the media. ROG has attempted it a few times at this stage.

Sexton is a big boy now and both players seem to get on very well with each other, huge pity the fans cant. There seems to be a group of fans that can't/won't accept ROG.

irishbucsfan

Fishooks12 wrote: »

Kidney lambasted for not speaking his mind, ROG lambasted for doing so.

Is he being criticised for speaking or is he being criticised for what he said? Two completely different things, weak defense.

MLC61

David Beckham.

As his relevance to the national team further diminishes he can't accept that the debate is no longer about him and you will see increased media coverage.

Why is an opinion that would be regarded as petulant in an under 10 looked upon as refreshing in a man at the end of his career? THat same under 10 would get the "team is bigger than any one individual" talk. Maybe it's too late for that?

Otacon

If a player does not believe they are the best in their position and work hard to prove that fact to their coach/manager, then they should just go home.

Whatever other's opinions are, ROG believes he is the man for the job and he wants all the game time he can get. I want every player for Ireland to feel the same.

danthefan

phog wrote: »

Sexton is a big boy now and both players seem to get on very well with each other, huge pity the fans cant. There seems to be a group of fans that can't/won't accept ROG.

Having been at countless Leinster v Munster games in Dublin, Limerick and Cork, I get on grand with Munster fans. If you have problems then you're probably the cause of them.

Benny Cake

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Is he being criticised for speaking or is he being criticised for what he said? Two completely different things, weak defense.

The only weakness here is that being displayed by yourself in your inability to grasp the point of what O'Gara said in his interview. I posted the article as I believe it offers a rare insight into the mindset of a top professional athlete.

I'm sorry I did tbh as it has descended into the usual ROG/Sexton, Munster/Leinster p*ssing contest

phog

Otacon wrote: »

If a player does not believe they are the best in their position and work hard to prove that fact to their coach/manager, then they should just go home.

Maybe that's why we've a certain amount of staleness in the team, players know they're not going to be dropped. I'll say it again, drop Darcy, DOC and one of the back row for one game, they'd be a huge performance in their next game.

Auvers

Deleted User wrote: »

.He doesn't have much to say because he doesn't really know that much about rugby!

thanks for the laugh

phog

danthefan wrote: »

Having been at countless Leinster v Munster games in Dublin, Limerick and Cork, I get on grand with Munster fans. If you have problems then you're probably the cause of them.

That's the strange thing, fans get on fine when together but some posters take it to a new low when posting anonymously.

Justindee put it very well recently in saying that he posts on internet forums like as if he was talking to the person.

danthefan

phog wrote: »

That's the strange thing, fans get on fine when together but some posters take it to a new low when posting anonymously.

Justindee put it very well recently in saying that he posts on internet forums like as if he was talking to the person.

Staggering lack of self awareness here, but whatever.

rrpc

The problem with these interviews is that generally you don't see the question that prompted the quote. I read that comment as referring to the wider debate (that's been raging here as well) about who should be starting and who should be on the bench, not about O'Gara himself.

The juxtaposition of that comment and the previous one about himself could well have been deliberate.

I'm very leery of quotes in newspapers and how they are placed. I've seen too many 'contextualised' quotes to be in any hurry to read too much into them.

Mr.Crinklewood

My cruel brother in law just texted a colleague over there to say the match was off due a strike by the stewards.

irishbucsfan

Benny Cake wrote: »

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Is he being criticised for speaking or is he being criticised for what he said? Two completely different things, weak defense.

The only weakness here is that being displayed by yourself in your inability to grasp the point of what O'Gara said in his interview. I posted the article as I believe it offers a rare insight into the mindset of a top professional athlete.

I'm sorry I did tbh as it has descended into the usual ROG/Sexton, Munster/Leinster p*ssing contest

Did I mention Sexton or Leinster at all in any of my posts at all whatsoever? It must just be your inability to grasp what is being said in them?

O'Gara says he doesnt take any satisfaction from playing for his country when he isn't starting. He undermines the man ahead of him. What am I not grasping exactly?

I've watched O'Gara the past decade and loved what he did for Ireland. He's actually a cousin of mine (the dark southern side of our family that we hide away) and I've been to see him play in 3 Heineken Cup finals and many other times for Munster. He's a legend and will go down in Irish rugby history.

However I don't appreciate the way he has handled being dropped. On one hand people praise John Hayes for selflessly giving himself to his country for as long as he possibly could without the slightest begrudgery (asked to not retire to cover the world cup etc). Then the same people praise O'Gara for the opposite.

I don't think he's the only oversized ego in the squad, but he is the only one who continually displays it in a negative manner. He'll take a supportive role so long as everyone knows he's still there.

I personally think he's just happy to play up to the media who are trying to milk his and his Leinster brother's rivalry for all its worth.



I'm not saying he shouldnt say what he feels btw. I don't agree with what he says but ill fight for his right to say it and all that.

DDC1990

danthefan wrote: »

Nope, that isn't it. You don't find a single other player in Irish rugby attempt to undermine the player in competition for their place in the media. ROG has attempted it a few times at this stage.

Where does ROG undermine Sexton?

Only mentions Sexton to say, that they had a rocky relationship in the begining, and now are getting on grand.

Exactly like the David Humphreys relationship. David Humphreys breathing down ROG's neck, lead O'Gara to become one of the best players under extreme pressure. By putting Sexton under the same pressure, Sexton knows that he has to play at the peak of his game every minute he is on the pitch to show the management he is worthy of his spot.

If Sexton can't deal with that, then he isn't worth his place on the team, simple as, because when it comes to a pressure situation, if having ROG behind you spooks you, then a 45m Drop Goal to win the match in front of 55,000 will spook you.

Sexton has come on leaps and bounds since he accepted the fact that O'Gara would be competition. I thought he was poor enough against Italy from open play, (by his own standards, not knocking him at all) but made the vital kicks, on his weaker side to keep pushing us out ahead.

danthefan

DDC1990 wrote: »

Where does ROG undermine Sexton?

Only mentions Sexton to say, that they had a rocky relationship in the begining, and now are getting on grand.

Exactly like the David Humphreys relationship. David Humphreys breathing down ROG's neck, lead O'Gara to become one of the best players under extreme pressure. By putting Sexton under the same pressure, Sexton knows that he has to play at the peak of his game every minute he is on the pitch to show the management he is worthy of his spot.

If Sexton can't deal with that, then he isn't worth his place on the team, simple as, because when it comes to a pressure situation, if having ROG behind you spooks you, then a 45m Drop Goal to win the match in front of 55,000 will spook you.

Sexton has come on leaps and bounds since he accepted the fact that O'Gara would be competition. I thought he was poor enough against Italy from open play, (by his own standards, not knocking him at all) but made the vital kicks, on his weaker side to keep pushing us out ahead.

Are you honestly telling me you can't read between the lines?

I’d love to say that if you’re 17 or 37, the best players get picked but there are other considerations. You have to build for the future

The clear implication is that the best player is not being picked.

As for Sexton not handling it, what are you on about? Give an example. You'll note he hasn't given any interviews remotely like ROG has, and he's playing plenty well enough to kill any debate over whether he should start. It's quite clearly ROG who can't handle getting (rightly) dropped. Anyone who wants ROG back as first choice for Ireland is off their rocker.

DDC1990

irishbucsfan wrote: »

O'Gara says he doesnt take any satisfaction from playing for his country when he isn't starting. He undermines the man ahead of him. What am I not grasping exactly?

Where exactly is that said?

“It’s an emotional rollercoaster. I played eight or 10 minutes; it was a boring game at that stage. You don’t get much satisfaction, from a selfish point of view.

He said this in reference to the ITALY GAME ONLY!. Im sure he took great pride in coming off the bench last year, and slotting the Dropgoal to win the game.

To bring a man like him off the bench with 8 minutes to go to pick up a token cap, when a game is won, is not going to bring him satisfaction. He'll do his job, and be happy with the win, but for him as a player, he wants to be out there for 80 minutes, like he is with Munster, dictating the play.

Ask ANY Rugby player, and they'll tell you the same thing. Would you rather be on the bench wathcing, or on the field winning the game for your country.

You are twisting his words for whatever reason, maybe you get kicks from it?

As i said earlier, its like reading Tabloid rubbish here sometimes.

irishbucsfan

DDC1990 wrote: »

danthefan wrote: »

Nope, that isn't it. You don't find a single other player in Irish rugby attempt to undermine the player in competition for their place in the media. ROG has attempted it a few times at this stage.

Where does ROG undermine Sexton?

Only mentions Sexton to say, that they had a rocky relationship in the begining, and now are getting on grand.

Exactly like the David Humphreys relationship. David Humphreys breathing down ROG's neck, lead O'Gara to become one of the best players under extreme pressure. By putting Sexton under the same pressure, Sexton knows that he has to play at the peak of his game every minute he is on the pitch to show the management he is worthy of his spot.

What rugby were you watching? O'Gara was far far shakier with Humph in and out of the squad than he was after he went.

He was dropped in the 01 (or was it 02?) 6N and then couldn't kick a thing on a tour to NZ, think he only kicked one or two penalties on the whole tour.

And I don't remember Humphreys being this stubborn in the media. (Although rugby wasn't in the media as much then to be fair).

DDC1990

danthefan wrote: »

Are you honestly telling me you can't read between the lines?



The clear implication is that the best player is not being picked.

As for Sexton not handling it, what are you on about? Give an example. You'll note he hasn't given any interviews remotely like ROG has, and he's playing plenty well enough to kill any debate over whether he should start. It's quite clearly ROG who can't handle getting (rightly) dropped. Anyone who wants ROG back as first choice for Ireland is off their rocker.

Of course he thinks he's the best player!

If you are on an International team, you have to believe that you are better then anyone else in your position, or else you don't have the mindset for this game!

I think O'Gara is a great player, and would suit certain types of games better then Sexton, but overall... I'd pick Sexton without hesitation.

O'Gara has had to deal with Competition at number 10 for a lot of his International Career, so if he goes in with the attitude that he is second best, then he has already lost, he might as well retire. Because if the coach is telling you you aren't number 1, the fans are telling you you're not number 1, and you are telling yourself you're not number 1, then why do you play the game? No one wants to sit on the bench for 72 minutes every game. The day O'Gara decides he's not good enough for international Rugby, he will retire.

irishbucsfan

DDC1990 wrote: »

Ask ANY Rugby player, and they'll tell you the same thing. Would you rather be on the bench wathcing, or on the field winning the game for your country.

You are twisting his words for whatever reason, maybe you get kicks from it?

As i said earlier, its like reading Tabloid rubbish here sometimes.

Hold on, you're the one twisting things here.

Would I prefer to be starting or on the bench? Starting, obviously. That's not what he or I are saying though. You somehow read it, but its not what he said.

Annabella1

Big responsibility on Sexton today to get some control of the game at Outhalf.He was very good last week in Aviva but I would argue that he has yet to hit the heights at an away game against top opposition in the 6N.He has oodles of talent.Hopefully we see a complete performance today

DDC1990

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Hold on, you're the one twisting things here.

Would I prefer to be starting or on the bench? Starting, obviously. That's not what he or I are saying though. You somehow read it, but its not what he said.

That is seriously what you took from the post!

Ok consider this question.

Sexton is sat on the bench for 72 minutes, game is won, ROG has put in a great kicking performance, and is sure to get MOM.

Sexton is then asked to come on for the last 8 minutes.

Is Sexton a) Delighted to be called, extatic to put on the Green Shirt and go out and play for his country!
b) Disappointed that he wasn't out there from the begining to put on a show for the coach and show that he should be Number 10, but still happy form a team point of view that the game is won.
c) Another answer...

Please tell me you can see ROG's point of view.

irishbucsfan

Id like to think it wouldnt be

C) Give an interview in the national media saying you took no satisfaction from being part of the win.

GerM

There's one thing saying "I reckon I'm playing better rugby, the coach doesn't though and I'll prove him wrong if given the chance". It's very different when he implies the reason he's not getting picked is because DK has to build Sexton's confidence.

Nothing wrong with the interview aside from his final quote which does nobody any good the day before a massive game in Paris.

DDC1990

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Id like to think it wouldnt be

C) Give an interview in the national media saying you took no satisfaction from being part of the win.

“There is no reply to the ignorant like keeping silence”

/exits thread.

guapos

Does anyone know how soon after the match is it available on rte player?
thanks

GerM

guapos wrote: »

Does anyone know how soon after the match is it available on rte player?
thanks

Think they're fairly sharp with them for the 6N. Would expect it to be up there tonight possibly or tomorrow morning at the latest. They have to hold fire when it comes to Pro12 games as Setanta have the rights to show the replay before RTE can host it online.

rrpc

This harping on about individual players is invidious imo. Putting O'Gara's interview aside (and as I said above, quotes can be misleading) there's been far too much emphasis on comparing player X with player Y on this thread.

It's the game plan that's causing most of the problems. We seem to have taken an extremely conservative approach which appears to be:

1. Inside your own 10, kick the leather off the ball.
2. Protect your ruck ball at all costs (usually meaning 5+ players in a ruck)
3. No quick recycling of ruck ball until 'you've worn the opposition down'
4. One out passes are good - keep it tight.
5. Keep the defensive line intact. If that means being 10 metres from the oppsition, well and good, sure you can see them coming.
6. Rinse and repeat until the opposition are worn down, then bring on the fresh legs and speed it up.

CatFromHue

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I'm perfectly happy for players to be honest. Doesn't mean I then have to worship everything they say when they are. I am all for O'Gara's right to tell everyone how selfless he is or all for Joey Barton to tweet away about how terrible the people who pay him are. However, I also reserve the right to form my own opinion on what they do say.


I completely disagree with your second point. If your team wins you take satisfaction. Whether you are starting, on the bench, or in the stands. If you come off the bench and score two tries you will take more satisfaction, obviously.

“It’s an emotional rollercoaster. I played eight or 10 minutes; it was a boring game at that stage. You don’t get much satisfaction, from a selfish point of view.

He came on at 69mins with the score 30-10. He didn't say he got no satisfaction just not much from a personal point of view. I would echo his sentiment to be honest whenever I've been in a similar position.

JRant

DDC1990 wrote: »

danthefan wrote: »

Nope, that isn't it. You don't find a single other player in Irish rugby attempt to undermine the player in competition for their place in the media. ROG has attempted it a few times at this stage.

Where does ROG undermine Sexton?

Only mentions Sexton to say, that they had a rocky relationship in the begining, and now are getting on grand.

Exactly like the David Humphreys relationship. David Humphreys breathing down ROG's neck, lead O'Gara to become one of the best players under extreme pressure. By putting Sexton under the same pressure, Sexton knows that he has to play at the peak of his game every minute he is on the pitch to show the management he is worthy of his spot.

If Sexton can't deal with that, then he isn't worth his place on the team, simple as, because when it comes to a pressure situation, if having ROG behind you spooks you, then a 45m Drop Goal to win the match in front of 55,000 will spook you.

Sexton has come on leaps and bounds since he accepted the fact that O'Gara would be competition. I thought he was poor enough against Italy from open play, (by his own standards, not knocking him at all) but made the vital kicks, on his weaker side to keep pushing us out ahead.

Ah would ya come off it now. Sexton was regularly dropped after excellent performances, what do you think that does to a players confidence? Competition for places is what we need but thats not what was at play here. Sexton barely had a run out in the WC after the Aussie game, might have had something to do with ROG's interview around that time tbh.
ROG's latest interview only states what everyone who plays sport feels in some way or another when your left on the bench. It's only human nature and the more competitive you are the harder it is to accept. However there is a time and a place for these types of things, in the middle of the biggest tournament of the year and two days before a massive game is neither IMHO

supernova84

I predict France to annihilate us today because they're the better team. Ireland are way over rated and can't cope with the hype.

JRant

Uncle Deccie talking to Kevin Mitchell of the Guardian
http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/spNn_2XFJe6x_ev4Q2pP53Q/view.m?id=15&gid=sport/2012/mar/03/ireland-france-declan-kidney-six-nations&cat=rugby-union
Don't know whether to laugh or cry tbh!!!

rrpc

supernova84 wrote: »

I predict France to annihilate us today because they're the better team. Ireland are way over rated and can't cope with the hype.

Insightful stuff. Can't wait for your next post.

BarackPyjama

Annabella1 wrote: »

Big responsibility on Sexton today to get some control of the game at Outhalf.He was very good last week in Aviva but I would argue that he has yet to hit the heights at an away game against top opposition in the 6N.He has oodles of talent.Hopefully we see a complete performance today

We won't see much of a performance because the wrong scrum half has been selected.

decisions

BarackPyjama wrote: »

Annabella1 wrote: »

Big responsibility on Sexton today to get some control of the game at Outhalf.He was very good last week in Aviva but I would argue that he has yet to hit the heights at an away game against top opposition in the 6N.He has oodles of talent.Hopefully we see a complete performance today

We won't see much of a performance because the wrong scrum half has been selected.

Again.

JRant

rrpc wrote: »

This harping on about individual players is invidious imo. Putting O'Gara's interview aside (and as I said above, quotes can be misleading) there's been far too much emphasis on comparing player X with player Y on this thread.

It's the game plan that's causing most of the problems. We seem to have taken an extremely conservative approach which appears to be:

1. Inside your own 10, kick the leather off the ball.
2. Protect your ruck ball at all costs (usually meaning 5+ players in a ruck)
3. No quick recycling of ruck ball until 'you've worn the opposition down'
4. One out passes are good - keep it tight.
5. Keep the defensive line intact. If that means being 10 metres from the oppsition, well and good, sure you can see them coming.
6. Rinse and repeat until the opposition are worn down, then bring on the fresh legs and speed it up.

1: can't argue with that startegy tbh play the percentages inside your own 10.

2,3 & 4 comes down to the scrum half more often than not. If he's missing then numbers are needed to secure ball. If he's taking an age at the back of a ruck you don't get quick ball. If he's constantly passing the ball one out to stationary players we've no option but to keep it tight.

5: this is unforgivable, if you stand off any of the top 6 teams they'll murder ya.

Higher

O'Gara is delusional if he thinks Sexton is starting for development reasons. I love the way he tries to act as if he should be commended for sitting on the bench for the good of the national team's development :rolleyes: This is the same O'Gara who threatened retirement on national t.v because he didn't start the Australia game.

As for the 'rocky relationship at the beginning'....because this is an internet forum I won't say what I've been told by a player but let me just say that the rocky relationship had nothing to do with Sexton and everything to do with O'Gara feeling threatened. He only warmed to Sexton after some intervention from a number of senior players.