Leinster prop Jack McGrath has responded to Welsh rugby player Ross Moriarty's comments that Johnny Sexton gets special treatment from referees.
Moriarty was critical of a decision that saw him sin-binned for a late hit on Sexton during Dragons 52-10 loss against Leinster earlier this month. He told the BBC Wales Scum V programme that it is 'sad' that Sexton has such a 'big pull' in games.
Some may say it was harsh, some may say it was fair, but if Johnny did that against me in that game I know for a fact he would not have had anything happen to him. It's nice to see little players running around making a fool of big players but when a big player gets hold of a smaller one there's always a big scene.
Most players will have had something happen to them if they hit Johnny Sexton off the ball because obviously he has a big pull in the game these days which is quite sad.
This week, Sexton's team-mate Jack McGrath appeared on the Rugby Pod and was asked about the comments. McGrath said he had not heard of them until now but was adamant the sentiment was misplaced.
Sexto is one of the bravest fellas you will ever meet. He puts his body on the line week in, week out. That is why he is our captain, that is why he is the guy we turn to. To say that he is protected, I think that is bollix, to be honest. He goes hard every week, he is no holds barred every week. Training, games, he plays hard. Lads follow in behind him. I do not think that is a true statement.
Last week, Brian O'Driscoll also refuted the Welsh number eight's statement while speaking on BBC Sport NI: "Moriarty is obviously taking a leaf out of his coach's book and throwing a hand grenade in there."
Throughout the entire interview, McGrath was remarkably candid and honest on a variety of topics including mental health, playing under Joe Schmidt and battling Cian Healy for a starting spot. The full episode is well worth a listen and you can do so here.
