Well, I am delighted that my cynical prediction after the Fiji game has been proved wrong and that Kidney has gone with the attacking selection of Sexton, Wallace and Earls in an exciting backline.
The question is, however, will they ever get enough ball to make a difference as Kidney has continued with the same pack that was absolutely destroyed at scrum time and in the loose by a fairly lightweight, in terms of international experience, Australian side?
If South Africa manage to shake off the tiredness and lethargy, all too evident as they meander their way across Europe, it may be wiser to fit the Ireland front row with rear view mirrors as they’ll be spending most of the game going backwards! Hayes and Flannery are not match fit and it is deeply disappointing that they are seen as the only viable options. Mind you if Buckley has to come on things will only get worse as the South Africans must be aware how easily he is bullied out of a game. A great disappointment given his build and the number of chances he’s been given.
In short, an exciting selection in the backs but its going to be the tight five that decide the outcome of this game. Which set will be able to raise their game one more time?
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.
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