Munster-Leinster derby fell victim to Ireland's player welfare plan

Sexton’s withdrawal gave clash between rivals the feeling of an elite training session

Mon, Dec 31, 2018, 06:00

Gavin Cummiskey

Johnny Sexton was taken off after 60 minutes of Leinster’s defeat to Munster with his side trailing by six points. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Johnny Sexton was taken off after 60 minutes of Leinster’s defeat to Munster with his side trailing by six points. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

The Masterplan

The splendid isolation of Munster versus Leinster in Thomond Park no longer exists. Not after the substitutions of Johnny Sexton (60 minutes with Leinster trailing 16-10) and Joey Carbery (71 minutes, 19-10). Neither being tactical nor down to injury.

Rather than Irish rugby’s great rivalry, we witnessed the highest grade training session imaginable.

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