Six Nations 2020: Murray’s form has dipped because he’s a ‘marked man’, claims Ireland pal Sexton ahead of Wales clash

JOHNNY SEXTON has leapt to the defence of Conor Murray insisting: “He’s a marked man.”

Murray was regarded by many as the world’s best scrum-half as Ireland swept aside all-comers in 2018, although he missed the game over the All Blacks.

Now there are plenty who feel he should not be even in the Ireland starting XV, believing John Cooney deserves to be picked on his form for Ulster.

But Sexton believes that it was an eye-catching display in Ireland’s first win over New Zealand, in 2016, which has helped to ensure he is denied time and space.

And Sexton is adamant that is why his half-back partner might not have as many eye-catching moments as before.

The pair have the chance to banish the demons of a wobbly 2019 by clinching a huge win for Ireland over Grand Slam winners Wales in Dublin on Saturday.

A victory would give Ireland the ideal start to their Six Nations campaign.

Sexton said: “Conor has got the scope to go and snipe but in international rugby it doesn’t always open up.

‘MARKED MAN’

“It’s not like provincial rugby or even some Champions Cup games, it’s proper Test match rugby and last week was a proper Test match.

“The biggest problem for Conor is that he’s had those games, like where he ripped up the All Blacks in Chicago, he’s done that.

“But then you become a marked man, do you know what I mean? Sometimes the space isn’t there and it’s not as simple as ‘why did he do it in this game and didn’t do it in that game?’

“He’s played well. I watched his game against the Ospreys and played really well. He played well against last week and I’m sure he’ll play well again this week.

“When those opportunities present themselves, if they present themselves, I’m sure he’ll be ready to go.”