Compiled by GERRY THORNLEY

PROFILES

Jackson (20) has continued a meteoric rise from exciting Methody and underage shining light and this season’s Ireland under-21 outhalf to make his full Heineken Cup debut in the semis – shades of Sexton two years ago. Promoting Jackson for the semi-final and, almost certainly, for the final, is quite a statement of faith in the talented young man. And, longer term, it should be to Ireland’s benefit.

Sexton (26) has emerged as a driving force of the current Leinster team. The Heineken Cup of ’09 was the making of him and, sorely missed in the semis two years ago, his match-winning 28-point haul in last season’s final was supreme. Kicking radar a little off at the RWC but, for one shot off the post, it might have turned out so differently. But back to vintage best lately.

INFLUENCE

Jackson: In the mould of South African scrumhalves (think Fourie du Preez) as in the semi-final, Ruan Pienaar will seek to ease the load on his young outhalf with his box-kicking and long-range kicking out of hand. But Jackson will also kick for position, attack the gain line and unveil his varied handling game. Sound temperament too. “Nothing really fazes him,” says the Ulster backs coach, Neil Doak.

Sexton: His influence ought to be the greater, given he is Leinster’s place-kicker, tactician, playmaker and a key defender. A driven individual now assured in his status, almost to the point of annoying team-mates, he calls most of the shots, even if his half-time interludes have become the stuff of in-house myth.

LIKELY OUTCOME

Even with Pienaar’s protective presence, there’s a cockiness to the Jackson strut, and he’ll certainly probe cheekily and have a cut himself. Even so, this is one position where Leinster have had the tournament’s best performer over the last three seasons and Sexton is possibly the biggest individual reason for making the champions favourites.

STRENGTHS

Jackson: What the young Ulsterman lacks in Sexton’s experience, he makes up for in youthful confidence as well as a very complete skills set, and what Ulster probably lose in sacrificing Ian Humphreys’ running threat and flair, they gain in Jackson’s relative physicality and tackling at 10. Which is the main reason he has been promoted.

Sexton: Has it all, really. His goal-kicking (90 per cent in Europe and the Pro 12 this season), distribution and running (with a high ratio of clean breaks) have been top notch lately. So too his defensive reading and tackling, which have been superb for province and country all season. And he revels in this environment.