Jonathon Sexton has regained his status as Ireland’s top Fly Half after being named in the starting XV to face Australia in Brisbane this Saturday.
The Leinster pivot was dealt a severe confidence blow when he was replaced by Ronan O’Gara with Ireland trailing in their final Six Nations game against Scotland. When the international squad regrouped for the summer tour, Sexton was suffering discomfort in his jaw as it healed after a break.
O’Gara wore the Number 10 in the defeat to the Barbarian’s. And was guilty of some untimely mistakes, missing touch from early penalties, as New Zealand took an unassailable lead. After Jamie Heaslip’s red card in that game, frustration got the better of O’Gara, dragging down Corey Jane with the ball long gone. He was correctly yellow carded as Ireland were routed in the first half.
Sexton drew rave reviews from his performance in the narrow defeat to the New Zealand Maori, successful with eight kicks from nine, his penalties drew Ireland back into the game after giving the Maori and 18-3 head start. A solid performance in Brisbane could see him nail down the starting position once and for all.
In the back row, Declan Kidney has handed test a test jersey to Ulster’s Chris Henry, while Niall Ronan, who greatly impressed at openside flanker against the Maori, is moved to blindside to accommodate Shane Jennings. Under 20 captain Rhys Ruddock, a late call up to the squad, is named on the bench alongside hooker, Damien Varley, who will also be hoping to win a first official cap.
In the front row Sean Cronin and Tony Buckley are retained allowing something close to a rest for John Hayes. However, there will be no rest for captain, Brian O’Driscoll, who will be partnered by Paddy Wallace, the Ulster centre’s creative dynamism has been greatly impressive against the Barbarians and the Maori.
Meanwhile, Australia coach Robbie Deans has made just two enforced changes from the side which fell to a 21-20 defeat to England on Saturday. Adam Ashley-Cooper comes in on the wing for Digby Ioane (shoulder) and Brumbies scrum half, Luke Burgess lines out in place of Will Genia (Hand.)
Despite Ireland’s four match losing streak, Deans will not be taking anything for granted after Matt Giteau’s missed penalty handed England victory last weekend. Deans said about Ireland:
“They are a seasoned unit, with proven performers in the key positions.”
“Our recent matches will also have given them plenty of confidence that they can succeed, while their players will be hungry. This is their last match before a summer break, and a win on Saturday night will make this tour a success from their perspective.”
little has separated Ireland from Australia in recent years, exemplified by a 20-20 draw at Croke Park in November. But Australia won out 18-12 winners when Ireland last traveled down under, two years ago.
The teams in full:
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe), 13 Brian O’Driscoll (c), 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Jonathon Sexton, 9 Tomas O’Leary, 1 Cian Healy, 2 Sean Cronin, 3 Tony Buckley, 4 Donncha O’Callaghan, 5 Mick O’Driscoll, 6 Niall Ronan, 7 Shane Jennings, 8 Chris Henry.
Replacements: 16 Damian Varley, 17 Tom Court, 18 Dan Tuohy, 19 Rhys Ruddock, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O’Gara, 22 Geordan Murphy
Australia: 15 James O’Connor, 14 Drew Mitchell, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 James Slipper, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Josh Valentine, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Kurtley Beale.
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (NZ)
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