Written by Sam Victory

Ronan O’Gara believes Conor Murray will  be tussling with a dose of the yips and has prompted Johnny Sexton to regain his confidence against Italy on Sunday.

Ahead of a massive weekend for Irish rugby, O’Gara has backed the under-performing Murray, believing the Munster scrum-half needs to be given the benefit of the doubt from Irish boss Joe Schmidt.

"For a long time, Murray was playing the best rugby of any scrum-half in the world, but recently he’s probably lost that form," said O’Gara on Friday's OTB AM.

However, the iconic ex-Ireland out-half was quick to defend the Munster man.

"A player like Murray needs to be given the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to play his was back into form," O'Gara pondered. 

On the question of Murray's usual half-back partner Johnny Sexton, O'Gara believes the Rugby World Player of the Year will be desperate to play this weekend against Italy.

"If I was Johnny I’d be like a dog if I didn’t start on Sunday," O'Gara stated. 

"He hasn’t had many minutes this year and has Carbery putting genuine heat on him at the moment.

"Johnny will be keen to find his rhythm again and this game is a good opportunity for him to regain his confidence."

"If I was in Irish camp and I was Johnny I'd be like a dog if I didn't start!"@RonanOGara10 has been discussing the Sexton/Carbery relationship on #OTBAM.... pic.twitter.com/Plpka9vlTp

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) February 22, 2019