Ahead of Leinster's Champions Cup Final against Racing 92, the French outfit have been dealt a huge blow with the news Maxime Machenaud has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Paris based club took a big step towards a Top 14 semi-final spot today with a 39-15 victory over the Bordeaux-Begles. However, it comes at a cost as Machenaud suffered ruptured knee ligaments.
Machenaud was outstanding against Munster both with his kicking from the tee and scrum-half play. His speedy delivery and intelligent fringe work proved difficult for Johann van Graan's men to counter during their semi-final in Bordeaux.
He is likely to be replaced by 27-year-old Teddy Iribaren, who came on in the closing minutes against Munster. That would see Patrick Lambie assume kicking responsibilities although the temptation to start Dan Carter, introduced early in the second half against Munster, may now be stronger given his ability in this area. Carter came on for French full-back Dupichot, so some rejigging could allow for his introduction for the final in Bilbao.
