Sexton must end the histrionics and rediscover his true self

This week represents a step back in time for some of Ireland’s senior players. In the past, the sanctuary of the provincial dressing room proved a welcome pressure release from the intense scrutiny attached to the seven-week bubble that accompanies a Six Nations campaign. Exhilarating when things are going well, suffocating when form and fortune deserts you. It’s a while since Ireland’s players have felt so underwhelmed after a Six Nations campaign, or any other international window for that matter.

Then again, it’s not that long ago that winning three out of five Six Nations clashes would be seen as a very decent return. Despite some of the nonsense spouted about Joe Schmidt since the defeat in Cardiff, the Kiwi has delivered three Six Nations championships, including a Grand Slam, in his six tournaments in charge.