Few will have known just how badly injured Johnny Sexton was going into the Lions’ series decider against the All Blacks.
Johnny Sexton cops his fair share of knocks and is one tough, stubborn man.
Both statements are a given in this game but what the Irish outhalf put himself through to take the Lions close to a historic series win, down in New Zealand, tops that.
Sexton went into the Third Test against the All Blacks with his right wrist heavily strapped. He had fractured it, according to The Irish Independent, in the 24-21 victory at The Cake Tin that left a thrilling series tied but the full extent of the injury would only be revealed when he went for a scan after the series ended.
Sexton was keen to play on and, with his wrist strapped up, he lined out for the Third Test at Eden Park. Midway through the first half he ruptured his ankle tendon and was in considerable pain.
Fans, at home and watching on TV, would have linked Sexton getting treatment to a hefty hit absorbed from Kiwi flanker Sam Cane but the real trouble stemmed from his tendon rupture.
It was going to ground, under the weight of Cane and Kieran Read, that did for Sexton:
He left the field of play for treatment during the game – for over two minutes – but was able to play on until the 72nd minute of the 15-15 draw.
The two additional injuries can be added to the long list Sexton has endured over the past decade but few can question his heart.
Sexton’s wrist is reportedly in a splint but he is set to return to Leinster next month to begin his own 2017/18 preseason. He is not expected to play until late September or, more likely, early October.
The additional knocks, and toll on The 32-year-old’s body, once again call into light the notion of Ireland’s top stars taking time off from rugby with a view to the next World Cup.
“I thought I took a sabbatical already” https://t.co/FXyha8Z68j
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) April 12, 2017
Sexton has, in the past, rejected the idea and former Ronan O’Gara believes Irish players are some of the best managed, and cared for, in world rugby.
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