Sexton set to make Leinster return against Connacht
The Irish number 10 has been sidelined since breaking a bone in his hand during the November international victory over South Africa at Croke Park just over three weeks ago.
Michael Cheika will be hoping that the Dubliner will see some action, either against Connacht or the following week against Glasgow, before the round five Heineken Cup tie against Brive in mid-January.
Meanwhile, CJ van der Linde is only expected to miss two weeks after suffering a calf injury in last Saturday’s win over the Scarlets.
The suspended flanker, Shane Jennings, is the only other absentee from the squad named yesterday for the St Stephen’s Day Magners League tie against Ulster at the RDS, a clash which follows on from an aggregate 71-point, 11-try demolition of the Welsh region in Pool Six.
“The boys did well but there’s also the fact that, after watching Munster play on Sunday against a very good Perpignan side, it probably puts it in perspective for us,” said defence coach Kurt McQuilkin.
“Perhaps the Scarlets weren’t at their best but you still can only play what’s in front of you and we did that. From a defensive point of view, we’re probably still a bit sore about conceding a try in each of the games.
“That’s something we can work on but generally the flow was good, there was some good movement. Our concentration levels were probably a lot better last weekend than the previous weekend so we’re happy in that regard.”
Only Bath and London Irish have conceded less tries than Leinster who have shipped four and the 39 points given up by the holders is the least in the whole tournament.
All credit to McQuilkin then.
“I’m not making the tackles and if I was, it would probably be a bit higher than it is at the moment but, no, we’re happy enough. The players have bought into it. We’re all pretty comfortable with our system now so it’s going better.”
McQuilkin is keen to talk down the team’s current run of form and talk up their weaknesses instead. Rhys Priestland’s try last weekend is a case in point.
The Scarlets full-back touched down midway through the second half and his ambitious kick-and-chase success owed much to Rob Kearney’s atypically sluggish attempt to intercept.
“We went through a 10-minute session in that match where we lost our sync. Everything just went flat right through from the attack to the defence and it probably resulted in that try.”
Kearney’s performance has been one of the chief talking points. Though he scored two tries, the normally dependable full-back dropped a trio of high balls that he would be expected to collect in his sleep.
“He doesn’t have them very often,” said McQuilkin. “Whether he’s had a bad one or a good one, he’s the first guy to come in and go over his video.
“He’s a pro. He knows what happened at the weekend and he’ll be out to rectify it, both on the training pitch and out on the park at the weekend. He’s reacted very well to it.”
Leinster squad (v Ulster):
Forwards: L Cullen, J Fogarty, C Healy, J Heaslip, N Hines, B Jackman, Stephen Keogh, R McCormack, K McLaughlin, S O’Brien, M O’Kelly, M Ross, D Toner, S Wright.
Backs: S Berne, G D’Arcy, G Dempsey, S Horgan, C Keane, D Kearney, R Kearney, Simon Keogh, F McFadden, I Nacewa, P O’Donohoe, B O’Driscoll, E Reddan.
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