Jonathan Sexton's man-of-the-match debut performance against Fiji last weekend has earned him the right to start against world champions South Africa ahead of Ronan O'Gara on Saturday. The Leinster outhalf was expected to provide back-up from the bench but Declan Kidney has chosen to go with form and play the 24-year old from the start.
The former St Mary's College pupil scored seven from seven in the 41-6 win over Fiji at the RDS on Saturday and showed a cool head in testing conditions in open play.
His inclusion at this stage of the autumn internationals signifies a possible changing of the guard ahead of next year's Six Nations championship, given the fact that the last time O'Gara was dropped was 2003, when David Humphreys faced Argentina at the World Cup.
O’Gara has started every single Six Nations match since — 30 games in total — and has only been overlooked by Ireland when on Lions duty or being rested against minor opposition.
Sexton’s promotion reflects the urgency with which Kidney must uncover an alternative in a position that has been cursed by a critical lack of depth. O’Gara will be 34 when the 2011 World Cup arrives so time is running out to anoint his successor.
The Springboks will offer a clearer picture of whether Sexton is the solution and Kidney admitted he needed to see Sexton truly tested.
“I know we have a world-class outside half in Ronan but we have to find out things about ourselves,” admitted Kidney at Killiney Castle Hotel this afternoon.
“Jonathan had a good game last week but with respect, Fiji were short of a few so it was difficult to read. I need to find out more.
“I worked with Jonathan last year and gave him the nod for the A team and that answered a lot of questions.
“I know we still have Ronan available. He’s disappointed he’s not playing but I can’t pick everybody all of the time.
“Ronan is disappointed but is the perfect pro. He’s taken it on the chin, has continued training and has contributed to the team exactly as he would normally.
“It was a difficult call but that doesn’t really matter. My job is to pick Ireland team and that’s what I’ve done.”
Most of Brian O’Driscoll’s 95 caps have been won alongside O’Gara and the Ireland captain is backing his long-time friend to recover from his surprise exclusion.
“Declan is looking to give Jonathan an opportunity after he proved himself against an under-strength Fiji side,” O’Driscoll said.
“It’s another chance for him against the world champions. They’re two different prospects.
“Ronan will be disappointed to be sitting on the bench but he’s a strong character and has shown time and time again that he turns up for the big moments.
“We know he’s capable of that and this is just a chance for Jonny to prove his worth.”
Sexton will play his second cap with the unfamiliar service of Tomás O'Leary, having got his senior career underway with provincial team-mate Eoin Reddan at scrumhalf.
The latter is out of the squad altogether, with veteran Munster man Peter Stringer in reserve instead.
The only other change from the 20-20 draw against the Wallabies is enforced with Keith Earls of Munster replacing knee injury victim Luke Fitzgerald on the left wing.
Changes from the win over Fiji, however, see Paddy Wallace return to partner O'Driscoll in the centre and Cian Healy come back into the frontrow instead of Tom Court after sitting out the clash at the RDS with a shoulder injury.
Donncha O'Callaghan is back in harness with Munster team-mate Paul O'Connell, though Leo Cullen is on the bench.
All in all, there are six changes from last week, with David Wallace returning to join Stephen Ferris and Jamie Heaslip in the backrow.
Despite Wallace's inclusion, Gordon D'Arcy is named on the bench, having been left out of the matchday 22 against Australia before featuring against Fiji.
Almost as surprising as Sexton's inclusion, is the presence of Denis Leamy among the replacements after the Munster man looked to have suffered a bad ankle injury against Fiji. Kidney revealed he will undergo a fitness test later in the week.
Springboks coach Peter De Villiers has plenty of injury concerns and has delayed naming his side until Thursday.
Ireland team to face South Africa:Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll (capt), Paddy Wallace, Keith Earls; Jonathan Sexton, Tomas O'Leary; Cian Healy, Jerry Flannery, John Haye; Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell; Stephen Ferris, David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip
Replacements:Seán Cronin, Tony Buckley, Leo Cullen, Denis Leamy, Peter Stringer, Ronan O'Gara, Gordon D'Arcy
