On a night when Leinster welcomed their international contingent into the squad, it looked as though Treviso were going to record an impressive win when Fabio Semenzato crossed with a minute remaining.

But Sexton proved his class and split the posts with no time left.

It was tough on Treviso who looked good throughout and actually led 8-3 at the half-time interval.

Alberto Di Bernardo got them going with an early penalty and, when Kevin McLaughlin was sent to the sin bin, Treviso cashed in, with Robert Barbieri going in from close range.

Sexton ensured Leinster were on the board at half-time, kicking a penalty, and after the break Brian O’Driscoll opened their try account when he went on an angled run that ended under the posts.

Sexton converted and then added a penalty, before Kris Burton reduced the gap to two points with a three-pointer.

It was immediately cancelled out by Sexton’s next shot at goal, but when Semenzato’s try was converted by Burton it looked as though Treviso had won the day.

Sexton had other ideas, though, and duly had the final say.