Madigan now pivotal to Leinster

So, that’s that then. It’s 10 months since Jonathan Sexton left the throne vacant with his departure for France, but it was only yesterday with his appearance on Leinster’s team-sheet for tonight did Ian Madigan bend his knee to take possession of the crown.

It is testament to Jimmy Gopperth it has taken so long but, though the Kiwi fought bravely against the assumption he had been signed from Newcastle Falcons as backup, the dye has now been cast.

Gopperth hasn’t started a game for Leinster since the visit to Cardiff five weeks ago so it is inconceivable he could be handed the reins tomorrow week when Leinster face Toulon at the Stade Felix Mayol in the Heineken Cup quarter-final.