Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll is backing Leinster team-mate Jonathan Sexton to make a seamless transition to Test rugby.
Sexton is poised to make his debut in Saturday's clash with Fiji at the RDS, with head coach Declan Kidney hoping to uncover a credible alternative to Ronan O'Gara at fly-half.
The 24-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough season last term, topped by the maturity he displayed in helping Leinster claim their first Heineken Cup crown.
‘Jonathan's a very talented player but also has a strong work ethic. He puts a lot of thought into his game,’ said O'Driscoll.
‘He does a lot of background work and we knock him for having an encyclopaedic knowledge of games we've been involved in. He can recall crazy things.
‘It's been a huge six months for him, coming in at the semi-final of the Heineken Cup and controlling things the way he did.
‘Then he gave a big performance in the final. This year he has been very solid and controls things well.
‘With every game he's getting better and he has a great future in Irish rugby.’
Sexton was an unused substitute in last Saturday's 20-20 draw with Australia and is delighted to finally realise his boyhood dream by winning his first cap.
‘This is a very proud moment for me and my family. This is different to winning the Heineken Cup, which is a team thing,’ he said.
‘Getting selected by Ireland is a personal thing but is something I've wanted since I was a kid.
‘I've focused on not trying as hard to make things happen. I was trying too hard at the start of last year.
‘I've relaxed a bit and I'm not concentrating on the mistakes I make. I have a more positive outlook.’
Sexton has the luxury of appearing in a virtually all-Leinster backline - Munster winger Keith Earls breaks their monopoly - and starts as one of eight changes.
Earls, centre Gordon D'Arcy, winger Shane Horgan, scrum-half Eoin Reddan, lock Leo Cullen, prop Tom Court and openside Denis Leamy have all been recalled.
‘The guys getting a go here haven't played for some time,’ said Kidney.
‘Competition for places has warmed up and we've shown belief in our players. We want to give fellas as much exposure as possible.’
