Six Nations
World-class Sexton just as good as Carter, says Payne
ESPN Staff
March 6, 2015
Jonathan Sexton's kicking game was instrumental to Ireland's victory over England © Getty Images
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Jonathan Sexton is currently the best fly-half in the world and would be a match for Dan Carter in his prime, according to Ireland's New Zealand-born centre Jared Payne.

Sexton has been instrumental in Ireland's Six Nations victories over France and England after missing the opening Test of the championship due to a concussion lay-off and Payne hailed his team-mate's return to the squad by paying him the biggest of compliments.

"Johnny is a world-class player, one of the best 10s - if not the best - in the world at the moment," Payne said of Sexton, who could miss Ireland's crucial clash with Wales next weekend after picking up a hamstring problem against England at the Aviva. "In terms of his range of skills and his game control, he is right up there with those players I have played with and against."

Payne, who left the southern hemisphere's Super Rugby to join Ulster in 2011, played with Carter for a season at Crusaders and sees flashes of the All Black legend in Racing Metro man Sexton.

"They're both very similar," Payne said. "They are pretty relaxed and get their message across. They are able to control a game incredibly well and are two players who always have time on the ball."

Ireland's chances of landing their first Grand Slam since 2009 will be dented if Sexton is unable to take the field against Wales in Cardiff and Payne admitted he presence is crucial to the team's success.

"It's pretty important," Payne added. "That said, we have the two Ians, Keatley and Madigan, behind him at 10 and they can slot right in. We don't have to rely on just Johnny, but he is obviously hugely influential."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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