Massive Boost For Leinster As Racing 92 Star Ruled Out Of Champions Cup Final
Jason Hennessy
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Man down.
Leinster have been handed a massive boost ahead of their Champions Cup final showdown with French giants Racing 92 next month. Scrumhalf Maxime Machenaud is set to miss the Bilbao clash, after he ruptured ligaments in his knee today in the French side’s win over Bordeaux.
Machenaud has arguably been Racing’s star player this season, and played a key role in their quarter final win over Clermont, as well as their semi-final win over Munster.
Carter may start at ten with Machenaud out.
He is likely to be replaced by 27-year-old Teddy Iribaren, who came on in the closing minutes against Munster. But his absence could force another change at halfback.
Machenaud is Racing’s placekicker, and in his absence the Parisian side could be tempted to start Dan Carter over Pat Lambie, with the All Black a more accomplished kicker. Either way it’s a huge boost for Leinster as they chase a fourth European title.
