But Sexton wasn't alone in struggling in New Zealand, Jonny Wilkinson missed an unprecedented five kicks on goal while Dan Carter was also wayward in the All Blacks' opener.
And after having a chat with his first-choice half-back, Murphy insists there is nothing to worry about.
"There is no change in Jonny's style," said Murphy, who has other outside-half Matt Berquist out for four months now after picking up an injury against the Dragons.
"It is a technique, obviously he wasn't kicking well.
"I believe the conditions were extremely hard. He was obviously disappointed with what happened, but there is no intentional change in kicking style.
"He was not on his own. They all seemed to be having kicking problems. We spoke and he said he actually kicked the ball very well.
"It was particularly hard underfoot and there was that wind, so I think it is just a case of trying to wipe it clean and try and start again."
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