Episode 2027: Leinster Without Sexton, The Tao of ROG, Chelsea Miss Chance, Pep Sez Relax

Leinster go into a European Cup semi final in France without their captain Johnny Sexton, who suffered a head injury against Exeter and hasn’t been available since. They play Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle on Sunday, who are the coming team in France and Europe. 

©INPHO/James Crombie

We talk to Shane Horgan, Andrew Trimble and former Scotland, Castres, Montpellier and Bayonne backrower Johnnie Beattie about ROG’s evolution as a person and coach, his philosophy on the game, La Rochelle’s all-court game, the choices teams now have to make around concussion, if a fit and in form Ross Byrne is a better option than an injury prone Johnny Sexton and if fleet-footed Ulster can match brawlin’, maulin’ Leicester.

©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Leinster and Lions coach Robin McBryde says Johnny Sexton has enough credit in the bank to earn a Lions spot despite his injury

Also strongly backs Ross Byrne and says Leinster want to out-KBA La Rochelle https://t.co/hngnEKp0DR

— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) April 28, 2021

Chelsea missed a massive chance to take control of their Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid last night, and Pep Guardiola was a picture of calmness and serenity at his pre-match press conference yesterday. Is this a sign of a new man, happy and secure that his work is done… or are we about to see John Stones picked in goal in another one of Pep’s over-elaborate Champions League team selections?  

Pep Guardiola tells his Man City stars to 'go out and enjoy it' against PSG | @Ian_Ladyman_DM https://t.co/HRtFwukWin

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) April 27, 2021

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When Brian Murphy starts talking about Steph Curry potentially surpassing Joe Montana as the Bay Area GOAT, things are getting serious

????https://t.co/4oXXT4JK3o pic.twitter.com/egyGramAdi

— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) April 27, 2021

The sporting achievement of 2021 so far? pic.twitter.com/krzC0UKej2

— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) April 26, 2021