Mature Sexton now back at 100% under Murphy’s watch

Johnny Sexton will be teeing the ball up at the Aviva Stadium this morning, working away with skills coach Richie Murphy on his day off to keep his kicking routine ticking over as the countdown to Twickenham continues.

A four-from-five goal-kicking return from last Saturday’s Six Nations win over Scotland, contributing 12 points from four conversions to the 28-8 scoreline, marked a resumption of normal service for Ireland’s fly-half following the previous round’s aberration of three from seven against Wales.

According to Murphy, it resembled confirmation that Sexton was over the glute issue which had forced his removal from the Welsh win and reduced his preparations for the penultimate game.