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Kidney backs Sexton to shine

Declan Kidney opted for Jonathan Sexton to face South Africa as he wanted to see how the Leinster fly half fared against top class opposition. By Damian Dolan - 25/11/09

Sexton’s name was the surprise selection to face the world champions at Croke Park next weekend, but the demotion of Ronan O’Gara to the bench does not mean Sexton is Ireland’s new number ten.

“I know we have a world-class outside half in Ronan but we have to find out things about ourselves,” said Kidney, who was impressed by Sexton’s performance last Saturday against Fiji at the RDS.

“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.

“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.”

Kidney had made six changes from the side that comfortably beat Fiji with Cian Healy, David Wallace, Donncha O’Callaghan, Tommy Bowe, Paddy Wallace, and Tomas O’Leary all returning. Injury doubt Denis Leamy has overcome his knock sustained against Fiji to be named amongst the replacements.

Also on the bench is Munster’s Tony Buckley, who gets in ahead of Ulster's

Tom Court

. Peter Stringer gets the replacement scrum-half role instead of Eoin Reddan, and sits beside his long-time partner O'Gara.

Ireland: R Kearney; T Bowe, B O'Driscoll, P Wallace, K Earls; J Sexton, T O'Leary; C Healy, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell; S Ferris, D Wallace, J Heaslip.
Replacements: S Cronin, T Buckley, L Cullen, D Leamy, P Stringer, R O'Gara, G D'Arcy.