Sexton: The big games start now

JOHNNY Sexton is gearing up for a big few weeks as Leinster look to cement top spot in Pool 3.

New Zealand-born James Lowe starts his first European game for Leinster after Garry Rinrose was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Jordan Larmour, 20, has been selected at full-back ahead of Rob Kearney following a series of standout performances.

Sean O’Brien misses out again after surgery on a hip injury that has cast doubt over his availabilty for the Six Nations.

Sexton said: “Rounds five and six are the biggest games of the season, they always are. There’s a lot riding on the next two weeks, and then there’s selection and keeping your form and fitness. January’s always a big month.”

Glasgow make six personnel changes but Stuart Hogg does not feature as he nears a return from a hip injury.

Peter Horne, Ali Price, Jamie Bhatti, George Turner, Matt Smith and Adam Ashe all start for Warriors.

Glasgow assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys said Hogg’s participation was “touch and go” and that Warriors “certainly won’t be risking him”.

Warriors have lost all four of their pool matches so far but have been beaten just once in this season’s PRO14.

Glasgow lock Greg Peterson said: “I haven’t been playing much this season and it has been hard watching those European games. It has been a whole other level for us and at times we have adapted poorly.

“But this week we have changed our approach and solely focused on ourselves and what we do best in the PRO14.”