Conor Murray: Paddy Jackson can step up

Jonathan Sexton may remain intrinsic to Joe Schmidt’s Ireland plans but Conor Murray is confident Paddy Jackson is ready and able to step into the elder man’s shoes if required during the Six Nations.

Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins was among those to spell out Sexton’s continued importance to Ireland in recent weeks, but the Leinster playmaker will be under the spotlight in the games to come having suffered with form and injury in the last six months.

And with Ian Madigan’s Test ambitions jeopardised by his impending switch to France with Bordeaux and Jackson enjoying a sustained run of impressive form, it is the Ulster 10 who looks to be in position to profit as the beginning of the championship beckons.