No rest for Sexton as Metro face crucial Top 14 contest with Castres

Jonathan Sexton flies back to France this week for a crucial Top 14 clash between his Racing Metro side and reigning champions Castres with opinion divided over his form.

Lauded by some for his game management against England in Twickenham, he has been criticised for his performance with the boot with a restart straight to touch that led to England’s critical try among the chief complaints.

There was the suggestion he had picked up an injury in what was a massive physical battle and, though the IRFU insisted Peter O’Mahony is the only injury concern, there are few players Joe Schmidt would like to rest more right now than his starting out-half.