O'Driscoll expects Sexton to handle occasion
Friday, 27 November 2009 15:26Brian O'Driscoll has backed Ireland's rising star Jonathan Sexton to take Saturday's clash with South Africa in his stride.
Ireland coach Declan Kidney selected Sexton for his second Test appearance after admitting he needed to find out more about the 24-year-old.
A dazzling debut against Fiji last weekend has weakened Ronan O'Gara's grip on the number 10 jersey and O'Driscoll insisted his Leinster team-mate will also thrive against the world champions.
'Jonny appears to have enjoyed the build-up. He's a very cool customer. He takes things very seriously,' he said.
'We haven't seen his persona change at all from when he's at Leinster. He's just looking forward to it.
'If his previous outings in pressurised situations are anything to go by, Jonathan should be OK.'
Sexton's big break came during last season's Heineken Cup when an injury to Felipe Contepomi saw him installed at fly-half, helping the province to their first European crown.
For Ireland to omit O'Gara against meaningful opposition for the first time since 2003 was a major call by Kidney but the head coach insisted he is well equipped for the occasion.
'Jonathan is not coming in inexperienced. He's played some big games over the last 12 months,' said Kidney.
'This is progress from where we were last year - we said we've wanted to develop an international squad.
'Jonathan has played well at provincial, Ireland A and international level so he's warranted a go. That's what we're giving him.
'I've no doubt his experience at Croke Park in the Heineken Cup semi-final last season will help.'
The contest between the Grand Slam and Tri-Nations champions has been eagerly awaited all autumn.
South Africa, making their first visit to Croke Park, start as marginal favourites to end Ireland's unbeaten year in a match being billed as the battle of the hemispheres.
Having started their November schedule with a 20-20 draw with Australia, Ireland know the Springboks will offer a fair gauge of just how far they have progressed
'The more often we play the Tri-Nations teams the better we become,' said Kidney.
'South Africa won the Tri-Nations easily and they will be a good measure of where we are now.
'There's a bit more pressure because you want to play well against the best in the world.
'Our preparation is the same as for any other team but the adrenaline flows a little bit easier.
'South Africa are very strong - other than at full-back and number eight they seemed to be as they were in the Tri-Nations.
'They have picked their strongest team and it's nice to see that.
'They will challenge us in every area and we'll find out so much more about ourselves tomorrow.'
South Africa are nearing the end of an exhausting season that has seen them crowned Tri-Nations champions and edge the Lions 2-1 in an epic Test series.
They have limped into Dublin with several players being patched up for battle tomorrow, but O'Driscoll predicted the Springboks still have one final Herculean effort left in them.
'We're feeling fresh but at the same time if you can't get yourselves up for the last game of the season you're in trouble,' he said.
'That's all they have to focus on. For us it's a great chance to finish the year on a high.'
Paddy Power - Ireland v South Africa Money-Back Special
If Keith Earls or Tommy Bowe scores the last try, Paddy Power will refund all losing try scorer and winning margin bets on the match.
