LEINSTER SENIOR COACH Stuart Lancaster is confident out-half Johnny Sexton will hit the ground running when he returns from injury for Sunday’s Heineken Champions Cup semi-final against Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 15.15).
Sexton has not played since Ireland’s Six Nations concluded in Cardiff five weeks ago, the same gap between matches which he bridged by facing England in the tournament opener, meaning he has yet to play for Leinster in 2019.
However, Lancaster today reported that the captain returned to training last week and will take a full part from today.
“He trained at the end of last week. We had a session on Thursday, the non-23 (for Glasgow) trained Friday, I took that session, and he trained in that fine. It’s good to get him back,” said Lancaster before backing his 10 to hit his straps.
It’s not like he’s been sat doing nothing. He’s analyzing, he’s been training last week, he looks in great condition aerobically as well as physically. The experience he can draw on, given the number of games he’s played, I’m confident he’ll come back in and be fine.
“The big advantage was that he trained and trained well (last week). It allowed him to get ahead of his preparation for this week as opposed to preparing for Glasgow.”
Lancaster also signalled Devin Toner and Robbie Henshaw had come through their returns from injury unscathed, while Rory O’Loughlin will train in full this week.
Tadhg Furlong, who was withdrawn as a precaution against Glasgow with a knee injury, is expected to train in full from tomorrow’s session.
The province’s medical team also confirmed that second row Mick Kearney will miss the remainder of the season after surgery on a shoulder injury.
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It’s a balancing act this week.
Have to keep the vast majority of the starting team for next week fresh but at the same time tomorrow’s game is a must win 5 pointer
Win tomorrow along with Leinster doing us a favour tonight then qualification for next year is looking more likely than not
@Mark Smith: I think a favour from Cardiff would be more beneficial…..
@Ian Frizzell:
Cardiff could do it as they need the points too, along with home advantage on that trampoline pitch.
Can see it coming down to our trip to murryfield n a winner takes all
Hope it’s herbst covering loosehead and not O’Toole. More valuable to invest in a young prospect in one position and use the journeyman soon to be gone in the other