England head coach Eddie Jones has suggested that Johnny Sexton has a special relationship with rugby referees.
"Sexton has the bat phone to the referee. When he talks, the referee listens," the Australian is quoted as saying by the BBC.
That is because of his status in the game - you earn that, like [former New Zealand captain] Richie McCaw did.
Ireland face England in Dublin in the opening round of Six Nations games on February 2nd.
Jones said in November that England out-half Owen Farrell does not get the same protection as Sexton as he plays through the pain.
"If he was Sexton then we'd be able to complain about him," said Jones.
"But because he's Owen Farrell he's allowed to be hit late. He's tough so he gets up and he plays."
Jones also stated this week that the Six Nations squad he has chosen was specifically selected with the objective of beating Ireland in mind.
"We specifically want to beat Ireland. The squad we have here is just a squad to play against Ireland - it is not a Six Nations squad. It is a squad to play against Ireland.
"They are a good team and deserve all the praise they’ve been getting. They have a number of exceptional players in their team, a very methodical game plan that maximises the strength of their team."
Picture credit: Sportsfile
