Crocked internationals set to return for Leinster
The Leinster squad trained in UCD on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Cup Round 6 visit of Montpellier Hérault to the RDS (KO: 1.30pm) with the medical team hopeful that a number of players could return to the panel following Sunday’s 23-16 victory in Glasgow.
Jonathan Sexton rolled his ankle in the first half and will be further monitored this week. The Ireland outside-half completed the game with his first half penalty taking him past the 700 career point mark (Sexton’s tally now stands at 702 points in 85 games) and at this point it appears likely that he will be available.
The Leinster management are also hopeful that Luke Fitzgerald, who missed the victory in Glasgow with a combination of a glute/minor neck strain, will also be in the frame. There is a further boost for the province with the expected return from injury of forwards Kevin McLaughlin (neck), Richardt Strauss (facial) and Steven Sykes (hamstring) who should all be in the selection mix this week.
Moynalvey second row Devin Toner has now featured in 17 games in both competitions for the province so far this season – one ahead of Eoin O’Malley and Heinke van der Merwe – while the next Heineken Cup appearances for Jamie Heaslip and Eoin Reddan (which includes 25 for Wasps and 2 for Munster) will be their 50threspectively in Europe.
Saturday’s visit of the French side is an 18,500 sell out and tickets will not be on sale on the day. Supporters are advised to arrive early as there are a number of other events around the RDS on the day, with gates open at 12 noon.
Meanwhile, it’s a busy weekend for the province with Leinster ‘A’ set to face Pontypridd in Donnybrook on Sunday in the quarter finals of the British & Irish Cup (KO: 2pm). There will be free entry for Leinster season ticket holders and children, with the team also expected to be announced on Friday lunchtime.
