Leinster must fill 10 shirt as Sexton ruled out

JONATHAN SEXTON will miss Leinster’s two Heineken Cup matches in December after being ruled out for four weeks with an injury sustained during Ireland’s 15-10 victory over South Africa at Croke Park on Saturday.

The young outhalf, who contributed all of his team’s points, kicking five penalties in the win over the Springboks, underwent a scan on his hand yesterday and it revealed he had broken two bones. Despite this obvious setback, the damage is not thought to be especially severe and the timeframe for recovery should see him return to action before the end of the month.

Unfortunately for Leinster he won’t be available for those back- to-back European matches against the Scarlets, the first of which takes place in Parc y Scarlets on Saturday week with the Welsh side then arriving at the RDS the following week. It’s a massive blow for the European champions to lose a player who was in outstanding form.

He sustained the damage in an accidental collision with South Africa second row Victor Matfield. Sexton was trying to reach past and collar Springbok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez at the time. The adrenaline meant he wasn’t overly concerned during the game but has subsequently had his hand immobilised. He will also miss Sunday’s Magners League clash with the Dragons.

Leinster coach Michael Cheika must now find a replacement for Sexton in what will be a pivotal few weeks in the province’s season. Former underage international Ian McKinley wore the number 10 jersey for Leinster A in their 12-10 victory over the Cornish Pirates last Friday but it seems more likely either Shaun Berne or Isa Nacewa will take over Sexton’s role.

Berne, who joined from Bath during the summer, played at inside centre against the Pirates but has played outhalf for Leinster this season and is also a front-line place-kicker. Since joining the Irish province Nacewa has periodically played outhalf but although blessed with many excellent qualities as a rugby player, he probably lacks a precision kicking game.

An extended Leinster squad for the Dragons match will be announced at lunch-time today.