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The injuries that will make you reassess what you think of Sexton's toughness
If you cast your mind back to the third test in Auckland two weeks ago, you may recall that Johnny Sexton spent a certain amount of time either on the ground or looking discernibly uncomfortable.
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Sexton had in fact fractured his wrist in the now famous victory over the All Blacks in Wellington a week earlier. He then went on to start the third test, playing seventy-two minutes with a bit of strapping acting as his only form of protection.
Throughout the course of his seventy odd minutes, he also ripped a tendon in his ankle. This sets a scene akin to Hollywood American Football movie, where the quarterback – the hero- battles through pain towards victory or in Sextons case a draw.
Jonathan Sexton has played in six straight Tests for the Lions! Take a look at his best 2017 moments https://t.co/ZFA65oKFoG #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/jONpqXivv3
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 17, 2017
Also prior to the series there were many inferences among the British media that Sexton might not be able to withstand the barbarity of an All Blacks test match, that he is frail or in someway lacks the mental fortitude to cope with the physicality of modern international rugby.
This now unquestionably is not the case, one can only imagine the pain he was playing through. Against the best team in the world, he was still determined to take the ball to the line, epitomising what it means to put your body on the line for a cause.
Currently his wrist is in a splint and the ankle will not require operation. Leinster are currently without the services of their two centres, Henshaw and Ringrose so the news will undoubtedly have concerned Leo Cullen. However despite the injuries, Sexton appears to be on track to rejoin the squad for his planned delayed return.
