Sexton may return for Connacht clash
Wednesday, 23 December 2009 13:48Leinster and Ireland out-half Jonathan Sexton could return for his province's Magners League clash with Connacht on January 2.
The 24-year-old was ruled out of Leinster's recent Heineken Cup clashes with Llanelli after breaking fingers, though he completed the match, while starring in Ireland's 15-10 Guinness November Series victory over South Africa.
Speaking ahead of his side's match against Ulster on St Stephen's Day, Leinster defence coach Kurt McQuilkin revealed that the prognosis was good for Sexton, and South Africa prop CJ Linde.
He said: 'CJ (van der Linde) had a scan on Monday afternoon so he's walking around and off the crutches, which is a good sign, so please God he'll be alright. Everyone else is fine apart from the long term injuries. Sexto' (Jonathan Sexton) could be back possibly for Connacht or Glasgow.'
Leinster face Ulster on St Stephen's Day and the former Ireland international centre expects a difficult match, pointing out that Munster's victory over Perpignan had raised the bar for everyone.
He said: 'Though the boys were happy with the two wins over the Scarlets, having watched the likes of Munster play against a very good Perpignan side, it puts it in a bit of perspective.'
Leinster cruised to victory in both of their matches against the Welsh club, but McQuilkin noted that there were lapses in both games.
He added: 'From a defensive point of view we were probably still a bit sore about conceding a try in each of the games and that's something we can work on. The flow was good, there was some good movement, and our concentration was a lot better last weekend than it was the previous weekend.'
Leinster v Ulster is on St Stephen's Day at the RDS, 5.30pm.
