Sexton and Co. forced to get skates on

Place-kickers in France, including Jonathan Sexton, are having to adjust their kicking style to ensure they do not fall foul of strict time laws which have been introduced in the Top 14.

Separate countdown clocks have been introduced in all Top 14 grounds with kickers allowed 60 seconds for a penalty and 90 seconds for a conversion. Referees have been told to strictly enforce the laws, with a scrum awarded to the opposition if a player delays.

Sexton said he realised after kicking the match-winner against Montpellier on the opening weekend that he almost fell foul of the law.