Ben Kay: Ireland look lost in Six Nations amid Bundee Aki ban and miss Johnny Sexton 

World Cup winner Ben Kay believes Ireland have entered this Six Nations at a crossroads, with injuries, Bundee Aki‘s suspension and an unresolved fly-half debate combining to create what he sees as one of the most pressurised periods of Andy Farrell’s tenure.

Ireland were well beaten 36-14 in their tournament opener against France last night.

And at the heart of Kay’s assessment is the lingering void left by Johnny Sexton’s retirement in 2023 – not just tactically, but psychologically.

Kay told Betway: “They’ve gone with Sam Prendergast, but the biggest thing they’ve missed since losing Sexton is that bravery and fight. 

“I guess it’s similar from an English perspective to the Owen Farrell personality. They’ve got talented players who can throw miracle passes, but have they got the fighter as well?

“It’s easy when your pack’s going forward, but it’s about the person who can do it when the bullets are flying.”

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Johnny Sexton gave Ireland control 

Kay stressed Sexton’s influence was never just individual brilliance but the cohesion he fostered around him.

“He was so integral to how Ireland played, but he also had a team performing around him,” said Kay. “It’s a bit harsh to say they just miss Sexton – it was the combination of how they worked together.

“To me, no one’s nailed that No.10 shirt down yet. It almost feels like Ireland are waiting for the next youngster to come through with that same authority.”

Confidence and injury concerns

Ireland’s injury list has only heightened the scrutiny – and Kay senses confidence has dipped compared to previous championship cycles.

“It’s tough for Ireland because confidence wise you can see it starting to snowball,” he said.

“There are question marks about whether the glory years are behind them and how they’ve never really replaced Sexton.

“They went from being the plucky Irish to dominating. Now it’s dipped slightly and all the little stories start appearing – discipline, referees, outside noise.”

Kay believes Farrell’s man-management will be crucial in steadying the narrative.

He added: “One great thing about Andy Farrell is he’s one of the best at instilling confidence and blocking out noise.

“But this is a really important championship for them, especially looking ahead to the next World Cup cycle.

“At the moment, they don’t look in as good a place as they were going into the last World Cup.”

BLOW: Bundee Aki’s suspension has added to Ireland’s injury problems and dented Andy Farrell’s Six Nations hopes
(Brian Lawless/PA)

Bundee Aki suspension blow

Aki’s suspension for the first three rounds after being handed a ban for “verbal abuse and disrespect” towards officials after Connacht‘s loss to Leinster has added another layer of disruption.

“He hasn’t always started, but he’s always been there or thereabouts,” Kay said. “Even off the bench, he’s had big impacts.

“It feels like the start of this championship has more injury stories than any I can remember. It’s the championship of squad depth.

“If you’re taking out senior, totemic players through injury and then another through suspension, it’s a big loss.

“It’s not catastrophic — but it’s another bad news story. And at the moment, Ireland are desperate for a few good ones.”

Ben Kay was speaking to Betway, for all the best Six Nations odds and markets visit betway.com 

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