WATCH: Rory Best proves what a leader he is by sticking up for Johnny Sexton to the ref

From Keith Wood to Brian O'Driscoll to Paul O'Connell, Ireland has a habit of turning out great captains.

Rory Best proved today that he is no exception, and not just because he led Ireland to an impressive win over England — shutting down any hopes they had of a Grand Slam. In one brilliant example of leadership, Best let referee Jerome Garces all about the cynical targeting of Johnny Sexton by the English — including one particularly nasty late tackle by Itoje on Ireland's number 10 that left Sexton feeling his shoulder for a few moments afterwards. When the ref told Best "We are in charge," Best retorted "I know, but I also have a responsibility to my team." 60 seconds later, Sexton put Ireland 13-6 ahead. https://twitter.com/ElChiefMoore/status/843192483819503616 https://twitter.com/Sean_McMahon89/status/843167644601778178