Madigan To Start As Sexton A Late Withdrawal

Jonathan Sexton has been ruled out of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina tomorrow. Ian Madigan will start at out-half with Paddy Jackson on the bench.

After training yesterday in Cardiff, Jonathan Sexton tightened up and although scans earlier in the week were normal, a further scan yesterday afternoon revealed a very minor adductor strain. 

It was therefore felt that it was better to withdraw him from the game rather than risk further injury. Ian Madigan will start at out-half and Paddy Jackson comes onto the bench.
 
Isaac Boss has been brought into Ireland’s Rugby World Cup squad as further scrum half cover in place of the injured Jared Payne. 

With Madigan now starting tomorrow’s last-eight encounter with the Pumas, it is ideal for him to focus fully on the out-half position. 

The centre position vacated by Payne is well covered by Robbie Henshaw, Keith Earls, Darren Cave and Luke Fitzgerald.