Joey Carbery discusses his rivalry with Johnny Sexton

Competition for the Ireland number 10 jersey is stiff with the experienced and revered Johnny Sexton being followed closely by the young and exciting Joey Carbery. The latter, however, says that the relationship between the two is good despite the rivalry and that the competition is healthy. 

After a great showing in Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Wales, Sexton was sidelined for the French encounter, opening the door for Carbery to take up a position in the fly-half channel, from which he performed admirably, making 9 tackles and enjoying perfect form with the kicking boot. Sexton, however, has hinted that – even at the age of 36 – he is not quite ready to step away and is still first choice and holder of the captain’s armband.  

Carbery believes that Irish rugby is the true winner to come out of the competitiveness. 

 “I think if you look at it like that it’s tough, but the way I look at it is just trying to put Ireland first,” he said.  

"We both put our best foot forward and if we can go out there and play to the best of our potential, then I think Ireland will be the main winner. 

“In the environment we’re in that’s the main thing. It’s obvious that we both want the same jersey, but the relationship is good. It’s not negative and there are a lot of positives from it. 

“It’s a bit of a compliment to be always compared to him, or to be in the same conversation. Personally, I’m trying to get better from it and see where it brings me. 

“A lot of work to be done still, but I feel like I’m getting a lot better. It comes back to getting the game time and getting the experience in the games, and being able to physically do it,” Carbery explained. 

“Then it’s about having conversations with coaches about certain teams, sometimes it’s not even leading by what you say, it’s about body language and actions. There’s so much to learn about it and Johnny is very good at. 

“It’s something I can watch back in training, watch back in games and add to my game because at 10 you’re in quite a pivotal position to control guys around you. The more assertive I can be, it helps the guys around me.” 

Carbery commented on dealing with the pressure of pulling on the green jersey. 

Something that Andy normally says is, ‘Go out and be yourself and do your job.’ I went out and tried to play it the way I do,” he said. 

“Obviously we have a pretty good system in place and it accounts for different people coming in and out and there’s so many different options. 

“I’m pretty lucky to have such good players inside and outside me and obviously having forwards who can see the space and can take the space as well as we do. It’s a massive bonus for me, it makes my job a lot easier.” 

Ireland tackle Italy in Dublin on 27 February.