Sexton has been the subject of considerable discussion in recent times thanks to a history of concussions. His tendency to tackle opposing players relatively high is said by many, including Brian O’Driscoll, to be part of the problem.

“Like every situation, every tackle is different so it is very hard to say you should do this or do that,” said Murphy.

“It is something that Johnny is aware of and we are aware of. It is not a case of changing that much, just a case of trying to get the right tackle at a particular time.

“Playing ten, he gets targeted a lot of first-phase ball by guys like Jamie Roberts and (Mathieu) Bastareaud in the past. Sometimes, yeah, you need to go low and chop but sometimes you go low and get run over anyway. So, it is just a matter of him picking the right tackle type for the situation.”

And as for the suggestion he should act in the interests of self-preservation?

“I wouldn’t agree with that,” said Murphy. “He is obviously playing in the pivotal role and he has to be in a situation where has to be able to make those decisions, but if you have a guy that is trying to look after himself in international rugby then we would be in serious trouble, especially in that channel.”

Sexton’s form has been suspect since his return from the Rugby World Cup last October but he gave an encouraging display in Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Wales last weekend, both from general play and by succeeding with all three penalties and the one conversion attempt.

A good week got considerably better on Tuesday when his wife Laura gave birth to a baby girl.

The player returned to camp yesterday evening and, though he sat out training with a stiff and sore shoulder picked up against the Welsh, he is apparently fit and available for the French game.

Good news if it is true given his return to form and Murphy hasn’t put that down to any great change in mechanics or another mental or physical change in approach.

“He is just back to where he was and kicking the ball very well. Very confident in where he is at the moment. I would say he is at a really good place. He picked up a bit of a knock at the weekend so hopefully he can get past that and be ready for the weekend.

“He has a big smile on his face there now anyway.”