Sexton misses out on semi

Champions decide not to gamble on fitness of fly-half

Last updated: 30th April 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sexton misses out on semi

Sexton: Fractured jaw

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Leinster have confirmed that fly-half Jonathan Sexton will miss Saturday's Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulouse.

The Ireland fly-half fractured his jaw in his side's 29-28 victory over Clermont three weeks ago and, although he has undergone intensive treatment since, the 24-year-old has had to concede defeat in his fitness battle.

Shaun Berne will therefore deputise, with Leinster coach Michael Cheika confident he can rise to the occasion.

"Jonny was desperate to play and we gave him every opportunity," the Australian said.

"But we felt it was too big a risk and we also have the player's welfare and safety in mind.

"We have 100 per cent confidence that Shaun Berne can do the job."

Underdogs

Although they are the defending champions, Leinster head into Saturday's match at the Stade Municipal as underdogs against the tournament favourites, who are chasing a fourth title.

Leinster scored a stunning 41-35 win against the French giants in one of the competition's great encounters four years ago but captain Leo Cullen admits few people are backing them for a repeat performance.

"I think there is a feeling... I certainly sense that people aren't giving us much of a chance. That's a new sensation for some of us," he said.

"The way you get asked questions you can sense the way people feel about things.

"I suppose that makes you a bit more determined about things. As a team I think we are well capable of travelling.

"It is always a nice feeling when you get written off and we certainly feel we have a point to prove still."