VINE: Johnny Sexton’s winning return to Leinster began with a trip to the sin-bin

Jonny Sexton seemed just a tad over-excited about his return to Leinster.

On Sunday afternoon, the out-half pulled on the blue jersey for the first time since appearing for the province in their 2013 PRO12 Grand Final victory over Ulster. There was no sign of nerves from Sexton, who had figured for Racing Metro for the last two seasons, as he stepped up to confidently add the extras to Jack McGrath's early try. But it won't go down as the perfect return as his homecoming was marred by a yellow card that Sexton was shown after just 12 minutes of action against Benetton Treviso for this cynical late tackle. Leinster held out while Sexton was off the field, though, and withstood some furious Treviso pressure before skipper Isa Nacewa's try put them 15-3 up at the break, with McFadden taking over the kicking duties. The visitors then dominated the second half, with tries from Jack Conan and Ben Te'o seeing out a 27-3 bonus-point win that lifts the Blues to fourth in the table.