Leinster up and running but Sexton limps out

DEAN Ryan’s Dragons got little change from a trip to face the PRO14 champions as Ashton Hewitt’s wonder try in the second half was their only reward in a fivetry defeat at the RDS.

The champions were unbeaten throughout last season and got off to a flying start with two tries from wing James Lowe, and a sparkling display from Ireland centre Garry Ringrose at the heart of their excellent start to the season.

Dragons director of rugby Ryan said: “We’ll come away disappointed with ourselves. If we want to test ourselves at this level we have to be better.

“It’s about coping under pressure. That’s what we want to do and we have to be better.”

Making his competitive debut for Dragons, former Wales centre Jamie Roberts left his mark on Ciaran Frawley with a powerful tenth-minute carry, which forced the Leinster man from the field with a head injury.

Twelve minutes later Johnny Sexton joined his teammate on the sidelines, but by that stage his side had two tries in the bag and were well on the road to victory.

The first try came in the 18th minute when Ringrose scored from close range. Roberts was sin binned for a high tackle on Tommy O’Brien in the build up.

Four minutes later Sexton laid on the try for Jordan Larmour with a beautiful long pass to the left before limping off with a calf injury which could be a concern for Ireland coach Andy Farrell ahead of the international window.

Leinster continued to apply pressure, and eight minutes from the break Lowe scored their third try for a 21-0 half-time lead.

With plenty of changes after the break, Leinster allowed Dragons to gain a foothold, with out-half Sam Davies using his boot to good effect to keep Leinster pinned back. But 15 minutes after the restart Ringrose’s long pass sent Lowe clear for a fourth try on the left.

Dragons got off the mark just before the hour when Hewitt scored in the corner with a spectacular diving finish.

Davies missed the tough conversion and it wasn’t long before Ryan Baird blasted over to score a fifth Leinster try.

Although Dragons finished brightly with Leinster flanker Rhys Ruddock in the bin for a breakdown infringement, they could not add to their tally.

“The guys showed good intent to play and good energy, forced a lot of pressure on Dragons both sides of the ball,” said Leinster boss Leo Cullen. “Overall we’re pleased to get a win to get up and running.”

Cullen said Sexton’s early departure was “a precaution”. The fly-half was seen applying ice to his leg but Cullen said: “He’s fine,” adding that flanker Max Deegan’s knee injury was more of a concern.