Jonathan Sexton could give Declan Kidney a timely boost and return for the clash with France at the Aviva Stadium on March 9th.
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Sexton injured his hamstring during the 6-12 loss to England and missed the crushing defeat to Scotland on Sunday. This led to Declan Kidney throwing uncapped Paddy Jackson into uncharted waters and starting him ahead of Ronan O’ Gara at Murrayfield. The decision backfired and Jackson missed a number of kickable opportunities, as his nerves seemed to get the better of him on the day.
Kidney is left with a tough decision on who to start for the France game, but the possible return of Sexton could solve the out-half problem by itself. Sexton is currently nursing his grade two hamstring injury but an IRFU source revealed that his rehabilitation is “progressing well”.
“Jonathan Sexton is continuing his rehabilitation on his hamstring injury and has progressed well to the extent that he is expected to run this week as part of his recovery programme,” the IRFU statement read.
The possible return of Leinster’s out-half is some much-needed good news in a disastrous week for Declan Kidney. Pressure continues to mount on the Cork man and his fate seems to be all but confirmed with many in the media calling for his head.
Elsewhere, Ireland prop Cian Healy will have his appeal against a three-week suspension heard in Glasgow on Wednesday. Healy was banned for a stamp on Dan Cole during the England game but the IRFU have appealed against the “period covered by the three-week suspension.”
