Sexton shoulders burden

FOR Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray’s withdrawal yesterday must have felt like a marriage break-up.

Ireland’s half-backs come as an outstanding package, uniting Leinster on the east with Munster on the west, and their split leaves Sexton to carry a sizeable burden tomorrow.

Having trained all week with Murray only for the arm injury that forced the scrum-half off against Wales last Friday to resurface, one session with stand-in Kieran Marmion represents scant preparation. “Conor is a world-class scrum-half and we’ve built up a really strong relationship. He’d be a loss to any team in the world when he is at his best,” said Sexton.

“But Kieran has been outstanding for Connacht and has had to bide his time. He did really well in difficult circumstances against Wales and he’ll be more confident for that effort.

“Today was really the first session we’ve had together but we got on well and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can bring.”

Sexton took offence at England coach Eddie Jones’ insinuation earlier this week that Ireland are a tactical one-trick pony – “England kick the ball more than anyone in the competition,” he said – but accepted his side has fallen short.

“This year has been disappointing but it has been small margins,” he said. “The country does lift itself when we play England. We’ll try to make everyone proud.”