Big win signals Sexton’s return

JOHNNY Sexton returned to action as Leinster scored 10 tries to move level on points with leaders Munster.

In his first game in seven weeks, Sexton looked sharp in open play and kicked seven conversions.

Tries from Sean O’Brien, Hayden Triggs, Luke McGrath and Cian Healy secured the bonus point by the 30th minute. A Rory O’Loughlin hat-trick and two Garry Ringrose tries followed before Jamie Heaslip’s late score.

Star man Ringrose said: “We played with some great shape and managed to get a few tries on the scoreboard. There are minor errors that we have to iron out but we’re happy.”

Sexton, captaining in Isa Nacewa’s absence, played 55 minutes and directed his backline well in his first game since injury against New Zealand in November.

Ringrose’s initial burst and McGrath’s long pass set up O’Brien’s fifth-minute try and while Edoardo Padovani replied with a Zebre penalty as Leinster’s handling let them down for short period, Triggs’ score soon increased the advantage to 14-3. Padovani’s second penalty on 25 minutes proved Zebre’s last score.

Zane Kirchner’s burst set up No.9 McGrath for the next try before Healy barged over for the bonuspoint before the half-hour and O’Loughlin’s first try came in injury-time prior to the break for 35-6.

O’Loughlin and Ringrose helped themselves to two second-half tries before replacement Heaslip’s late score.