JOE HAS FAITH IN HIS HALF-BACKS

JOE SCHMIDT is backing Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray to catch fire at Murrayfield after failing to ignite against England.

Last week’s loss was the first time the half-backs had linked up since last summer.

Murray had been missing for almost five months with a neck injury while Sexton has just returned after a month out with a knee problem.

It showed in their performances but, after naming five changes to his side for the Edinburgh test tomorrow, Schmidt said: “I think they’re class players and class is permanent.

“Coming back after not having played in a month a player might be a bit rusty. A player who has had a longer lay-off and is getting back to their rythym, he might be a bit rusty.

“So this period for us is super for them to build themselves back to where they need to be.”

The head coach added: “I’ve chatted to both of them, mainly to offer them the same confidence that so many people have in them, including the players in the team.

“They’re outstanding contributors to our environment off the pitch, they’re class players on the pitch.

“And they’re just the sort of competitive animal we need going to a hostile environment, which Murrayfield will be.”

Rob Kearney, who was absent from the matchday 23 last week, is restored to full-back.

Centre Chris Farrell wins his first cap in a year after returning from a cruciate ligament injury.

In the pack, Leinster pair Sean O’brien and Jack Conan and lock Quinn Roux are all in.