by Ireland’s fly-half Johnny Sexton says it would be a special achievement if he led them to their fourth Six Nations Grand Slam.
Andy Farrell’s men are just one win away from claiming the title and making history after Sunday’s 22-7 triumph over Scotland.
They now meet an English side nursing their wounds after a record home defeat by France on Saturday.
The Red Rose went down 53-10 to Les Bleus, their biggest loss at Twickenham.
Ireland are expected to get the job done with relative ease despite their injury woes, but Sexton knows they need to focus.
big week
“It was a very special day (against Scotland) but in the end it was a semi-final and the big one is next week,” he said.
“That would really be the stuff of dreams. It’s what you grow up wanting to do.
“I don’t know why you grow up wanting to captain Ireland, maybe because the players you admire most were captains, but doing it would be a dream come true.
“It’s a great group of guys, leading them is very special. Who wouldn’t be proud?
“It’s going to be a big week, there’s going to be a lot of hype, a lot of distractions, tickets and family and all that, and we’ve got to get down to business and make a big effort.”
Sexton is aware of the threat a wounded England could pose, knowing Steve Borthwick’s men have little to lose, but Ireland are determined to claim the title in front of their fans.
Previous Grand Slam successes in 2009 and 2018 were achieved away from the Aviva Stadium so this would be very special for the Irish.
“It’s obviously dangerous because they have nothing to play, but it’s going to mean a hell of a lot to us to play at home and try to win something at home,” the fly-half said.
“The times we won things were all away from home. That’s something we’ve acknowledged from the start that doesn’t happen too often, so hopefully it’ll be a special day.
“You’re going to hurt. They will want to show what it means to play for England and they are a good team; They are a better team than they showed (against France).”
Six Nations Points Record
Sexton scored seven points – two conversions and a penalty – on Sunday to level with compatriot Ronan O’Gara on the all-time Six Nations points list.
Should the playmaker be fit this weekend, the Leinstermann will most likely move up to first place ahead of O’Gara.
“Rog (O’Gara) is going to pay me for trying to retire now,” he joked.
“Of course that’s a nice thing. Hopefully (I will) be back on the pitch next week and it’s all about winning. Those other things can come along, but they’re not the priority.”
Ireland must win the Grand Slam without the services of Garry Ringrose and Iain Henderson, who have been ruled out of their march with England.
An IRFU statement: “Garry Ringrose is doing well today and has returned to Dublin. He will no longer participate in this year’s championship.
“Iain Henderson will have surgery today for a fractured forearm sustained in the first half of yesterday’s game. The uncapped Ross Molony is added to the squad to provide additional cover in the second row.
“Both Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher sustained shoulder injuries against Scotland and both are being treated at camp this week. Ulster’s Tom Stewart was brought in to cover.
“Caelan Doris’ hip condition is also being treated at camp this week.”
CONTINUE READING: Five takeaways from Scotland against Ireland as Andy Farrell’s charges continue to battle for the Grand Slam despite injury turmoil
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