Irish legends expect Sexton to get nod

Ireland legends Tony Ward and Ollie Campbell have revealed that they expect Declan Kidney to opt for Jonathan Sexton in the out-half spot when he names his team to face Italy today.

Campbell and Ward were rivals for the Ireland out-half jersey throughout the early 1980s and the current selection debate has inevitably sparked comparisons.

In much the same vein, Sexton and Ronan O'Gara are set to vie for the 10 jersey throughout this year's Championship. But both admit that the younger man is 'in pole position' to get the nod for the first match having steered Ireland to a memorable 15-10 win over the World Champion South Africans in November.

However, Sexton's recent injury enforced break from the game and O'Gara's excellent form with Munster have added to the dilemma facing Kidney.

With Ireland set to face Italy on Saturday before travelling to Paris for what many see as one of the pivotal clashses in the Championship, getting the decision right is key to Ireland's chances of repeating their Grand Slam heroics of 2009.

Speaking to RTÉ's Justin Treacy, RTÉ co-commentator Ward said: 'At this point in time Jonny Sexton is the man in possession. He played particularly well in the November series and he was outstanding against South Africa. It's going to be very difficult for Declan Kidney to drop him.'

'Against that Ronan has been playing well and his form for Munster has been extremely consistent.'

Commenting on the different qualities both players bring to the Irish team, Ward highlighted Sexton's running power and O'Gara's passing ability.

He said: 'If Sexton has one thing that makes him slightly different it is his ability to break. He is somewhat more incisive and he manages to over the gainline and through the tackle.'

'O'Gara probably has a bit more (as a distributor) and were he to make the call that way I would have no issue. But at this point in time Sexton is the man in pole position.'

Campbell also reckoned that Sexton could get more game time over the course of Ireland's campaign, with Kidney and Ireland possibly having half an eye on the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in a year-and-a-half's time.

He said: '(Declan Kidney) is genuinely trying to build a squad that can challenge and make a real impact at the World Cup in 2011.

'This year, Ireland have five matches in the Six Nations but then they play New Zealand and Australia away in June. That's seven games. I think (Declan) knows Ronan so well - almost as well as Ronan knows himself having known him since his schooldays.

'So I think he will want probably to expose Jonathan to as much international games as possible to give him the experience he doesn't yet have. But I think he will play it match by match.

'I wouldn't be surprised if Jonathan plays in more games than Ronan plays but it will go on form, results, how the matches have gone and how the team is playing.

'I would say nothing is written in stone at all with regard to the out-half spot just yet. We have not seen the last of Ronan O'Gara and he has a massive contribution to make.'

Kidney must also make big selection calls in the front row, at first centre and on the wing when he announces his team later today.

Ireland may also be forced to make a call in the back row, where there have several injury concerns ahead of the match with Stephen Ferris top of the list of those who may miss out.