Madigan has perfect chance to prove he can be next perfect 10

Jonathan Sexton cleared his Leinster locker out 11 months ago but his old kicking coach has challenged his successors to emerge from the Ireland out-half’s shadow in Toulon this weekend.

Ian Madigan and Jimmy Gopperth have shared the duties at 10 all season but the young Irishman has been favoured of late. The Kiwi has not started a game in six weeks, which suggests Madigan will start in the Stade Felix Mayol on Sunday evening.

It will be the biggest test to date for the Blackrock man who enjoyed a breakout spell in the team during Sexton’s enforced absence in the second half of last season, as well as an equally momentous occasion for the club.