Conor Murray can’t wait to see ‘world class’ Johnny Sexton back

Ian Keatley said it himself last weekend: Ireland are a better team with Johnny Sexton in their ranks, and Conor Murray believes the returning out-half will add another dimension to the side that stuck to the basics against Italy.

Murray preceded him back into Joe Schmidt’s selection in Rome after his own injury issues and the pair in tandem offer the champions what is probably the most accomplished half-back pairing in the championship.

“Johnny is a world-class player and to have him fit is going to be hugely beneficial to the squad,” said Murray. “It’s great to have him back in full training this week. The lads that did stand in, the two Ians (Keatley and Madigan), did well and have benefited from that experience. We have three really good out-halves in our squad at the moment. Over the last couple of years, Johnny has been really, really good for Ireland. He’s a real leader in our squad and drives the standards in training and off the pitch.”