| Date:Saturday, 7 May Kick-off: 17:30 BST Venue: Mattioli Woods Welford Road |
| Coverage:Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, and online with text commentary |
As the pair prepare for their quarter-final in the Heineken Champions Cup, George Ford, Leicester Tigers flyhalf, says Johnny Sexton “one of the most outstanding 10s in the World”.
George said that he has absolute respect for players like him. He makes them tick and is their fulcrum.” BBC Sport.
“But it’s not about one person and we will have the team stop it.”
Leicester are now in the top eight of Europe’s premier club competition, for the first six seasons.
Leinster, four-time winners, have announced a starting lineup that includes 10 of the 15 players who started Ireland’s Triple Crown-clinching victory over Scotland in Round Six of the Six Nations.
Ford believes the Welford Road territorial battle will be crucial.
“Territorial battles and decisions around them are huge in any major game. It will not be different against a brilliant, all-round team,” he said.
“They have some men that can manage the game well and are good kickers.
“When we get to the end of the season in terms of motivation we don’t have too much. We understand the challenge ahead and can’t wait to take on it.”
‘You won’t meet a more perfect person’
England and Leicester stalwart Tom Youngs announced their immediate retirement last week. Ford stated that he was moved by Ford’s speech prior to the Premiership win over the Bristol Bears.
Youngs, age 35, was forced to take indefinite leave in October because of his wife’s illness. He played last season for Tigers in Premiership.
Ford said, “It was such a emotional day.”
“I’ve played for years with Tom and I can honestly say that he is a great leader, player, and person.
“He is part a wonderful family, and to have him speak to us before every game is something that I will never forget.
“What a unique experience to be part of!”
