Conor Murray

THERE is nobody more important in the Irish game, and that includes Sexton. Munster felt his loss last weekend. It was no wonder that the hearts of many Munster fans were set fluttering before kick off when Murray appeared in a tracksuit during the warm-up.

Munster were depowered as a consequence. The thought of him being injured for a long time must terrify Rassie Erasmus and Schmidt. James Hart will be his deputy at the province next season; Luke McGrath and Kieran Marmion must convince they can fill that role for Ireland.