CONTRARY TO observations made in commentary during Ireland’s opening World Cup match against USA on Sunday, outhalf Jonny Sexton has not changed his kicking style. Leinster skills and kicking coach Richie Murphy, who spoke to Sexton yesterday, said that conditions played a part and the Leinster kicker simply had an off day, writes Johnny Watterson.

“As far as I can see there is nothing changed in Jonny’s style, in his technique,” said Murphy at the Leinster team training ground. “There is no change in Jonny’s style. Obviously he wasn’t kicking well yesterday. I believe the conditions were extremely hard.

“Johnny is a confident player. His stats for last year were extraordinary. His stats were over 90 per cent. I had a quick chat with him today and he was disappointed with his kicking but felt that it was not anything to do with technical things. It was particularly hard underfoot and there was that wind obviously, so I think it is just a case of trying to wipe it clean and try to start again.”

Murphy emphasised the talk he had with Sexton was not as a disappointed outhalf seeking advice from New Zealand from his club coach but an informal conversation.