Joe Schmidt: Ireland's Johnny Sexton admits he had doubts about his head coach
Last updated on .From the section Irish Rugby
Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton has revealed his first impression of Joe Schmidt was that he was "too nice" to be a head coach.
The pair have formed a formidable winning partnership for almost a decade with Leinster and Ireland.
"I thought he was a bit too nice to be a head coach - how wrong could I have been?" Sexton told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
"He is in fact the most ruthless man I have ever met in terms of preparation."
New Zealander Schmidt, who has led Grand Slam champions Ireland to three Six Nations titles, is to stand down as head coach after the 2019 World Cup.
In a wide-ranging interview, Sexton recalls a meeting with Schmidt before his appointment as Leinster boss in 2010.
"I remember meeting him probably eight or nine years ago in Leinster along with [former captain] Leo Cullen and [former forwards coach] Jono Gibbes.
"Leinster had interviewed him and thought he could be the guy going forward, and they said they wanted a few of the players to meet him.
"After the meeting Leo and Jonno asked me what I thought; I said I thought he was a bit too nice to be a head coach - the boys still slag me about it now."
Schmidt went on to win two Heineken Cups at Leinster before taking over at Ireland in 2013, where he has also masterminded two historic victories over New Zealand.
Sexton has been an ever-present in those teams, recently winning the coveted World Rugby player of the year award for 2018, with Schmidt scooping best coach.
"Joe has been a huge part of my career in terms of helping me develop as a player," Sexton said.
"As a 10 you are only as good as the guys around you, and the coach plays a pivotal role in terms of having the group organised and giving you a clear gameplan."
'Keane was a hero of mine'
A life-long Manchester United supporter, Sexton says he has taken inspiration from their 1998-99 Treble-winning captain Roy Keane when it comes to setting standards on the field.
"What people don't realise is that when you have a go at someone [during a game], you put massive pressure on yourself," Sexton explained.
"Communication is a big part of the position I play, and I try and manage the team as best I can.
"Roy Keane was a hero of mine. He always produced on the big days and I am sure it was similar for him with that leadership role."
'We will play for Farrell'
With Ireland targeting World Cup glory next year, Schmidt announced last week he will leave his role after the tournament in Japan, with current defence coach Andy Farrell stepping up to replace him.
Sexton has endorsed Farrell's appointment, and believes the former cross-code international will put his own stamp on the side.
"Andy will have taken a lot of Joe's intellect and learned a lot from Joe, but he is very much his own man," Sexton said.
"There is one thing for certain, we will be playing for him, because he is such a good coach himself, and such a good person."
Listen to the full interview with Johnny Sexton on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
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A marriage of coach and player made in heaven. Both are absolute perfectionists and driven by a winning attitude.
Sexton is the mirror image of Schmidt on the field and orchestrates the players around him as if he was Schmidt.
Sexton is like Schmidt the ultimate competitor when under pressure. Pure class.
He's had a fantastic impact in Ireland. Hopefully a great WC to sign off with
Perfect blend of attack, defence, set piece and kicking.
What’s scary is that they beat the ABs with Murray and SOB in what felt like quite a comfortable win.
Genius coaching and man management helped by central contracting. The Irish have got it right.
It's not just that Joe happened to be in the right place at the right time, he helped develop that crop.
Interesting about the "too nice" comment, just shows you don't have to be snarly and play mind games in order to do well, and the "getting in people's faces" idea is nonsense too, Ireland and NZ knocked the hell out of each other for 80 minutes but there was no stupid pushing and shoving and squaring up.
But in the past 2 years or so he has become much more effective in open play. The Kiwi papers were hugely complimentary on his physicality after the recent game.
You know your doing something right when you have keyboard warriors stomping away on their PCs indignant with rage that Ireland have the cheek to be the best in Europe right now both at national and club level.
Rory Best Irish captan and OBE
Which particular Island are you referring to?
Really good to hear how he relaxes, and what a great person he was off the pitch as well.
I'm not sure what point you are trying to make, but it sounds as though you are moaning about the fact that Ireland manage their limited resources pretty well.