Sexton biggest threat to Boks
3 Nov 2010
GAVIN MORTIMER, writing in the latest issue of SA Rugby magazine, analyses Ireland, South Africa’s first opponents on their Grand Slam tour.
Strengths
Ireland are the most experienced of the home unions with Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara, John Hayes and Paul O’Connell boasting a total of 374 caps between them. Familiarity has bred contentment within the squad, while it’s also proved invaluable in bringing on a new generation of exciting talent, most notably No 8 Jamie Heaslip, flanker Stephen Ferris and flyhalf Johnny Sexton. Though no official announcement has been made, O’Driscoll will probably retire from Test rugby after next year’s World Cup, so expect a big season from Europe’s finest centre.
Weaknesses
Conversely, Ireland’s strength may also be their weakness. In 2003 an ageing England team just managed to remain at their peak long enough to win the World Cup but is this Ireland side on the wane? The core of the team – O’Driscoll, O’Connell, Donncha O’Callaghan, Gordon D’Arcy, Hayes, O’Gara and Jerry Flannery – are all in their 30s and with the game getting faster one wonders whether their legs and lungs will last the course. Then there’s their front row, the one area in which Ireland lack genuine talent. Hayes has propped up the scrum since 2000 but he’s just turned 37 and there are few challengers for his tighthead berth.
Key player
Sexton is still not the finished article but he has the potential to be a far more complete player than O’Gara ever was, his rival for the No 10 jersey. Whereas the latter is noted for his defensive frailties, the 91kg Sexton is strong in the tackle and likes to run at the opposition. The 25-year-old needs greater consistency in his goal-kicking but as he showed against Australia in June (when he slotted five first-half penalties) he appears to be improving in this area.
Game plan
With referees now favouring the attacking side, Ireland showed signs during their tour Down Under that they’ll be playing a more expansive style of rugby this season. When they won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009 it had a lot to do with the tactical kicking of O’Gara. But coach Declan Kidney now seems intent on adding more width to the Irish game using the speed of Lions trio Tommy Bowe, Luke Fitzgerald and Keith Earls.
Recent form
Since Ireland beat the Springboks a year ago at Croke Park they’ve suffered a dip in form. Yes, they beat England and Wales in the Six Nations but they were also hammered 33-10 by France and beaten 23-20 by Scotland in Dublin. Then there was the dispiriting tour Down Under where they lost all three of their games to New Zealand, the New Zealand Maori and Australia.
Team to play Boks
15 Robert Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O’Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D’Arcy, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Mick O’Driscoll, 4 Donncha O’Callaghan, 3 Tony Buckley, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy. Subs: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Ronan O’Gara, 22 Keith Earls.
– For more on the Grand Slam tour, get the latest issue of SA Rugby magazine
85 Comments
3 Nov 2010, 13:35 pm
Revolving door Dragons
3 Nov 2010, 13:39 pm
Almost thought this article was about the SA cricket team “*** biggest threat to Boks”!
On a serious note – this is gonna be 1 awesome game to watch on Sat.
3 Nov 2010, 13:44 pm
I don’t see leprechauns in the list of strengths…
3 Nov 2010, 13:45 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis) : LOL!!!
3 Nov 2010, 13:48 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) :
What you didn’t see the horror movie?
I bet the FU IR will sneak a flight attendant aboard their SAA flight to play that on a loop.
3 Nov 2010, 13:56 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis) : Reckon the Boks are having nightmares already, given all their preparation problems (injuries etc).
3 Nov 2010, 14:15 pm
Can someone tell me who will be reffing the game? If it is Mark Lawrence we are in with a chance, but if it is anyone else i am worried…..
3 Nov 2010, 14:16 pm
at Leinster Sexo is not running @ anyone! Skop & Jag all day!
Last year morne let this kid off the hook – sexo had one Test cap to his name when he fronted the Boks and we still lost!
3 Nov 2010, 14:22 pm
@Transformation(Transformation) :
Lets hope Alberts gets a run at him.
3 Nov 2010, 14:24 pm
Sexton been playing some good rugby for Leinster lately. They did a feature on him on “Rugby Club” recently and he commands quite well with his boot. Bit of a De Waal/Hougaard though so we’ll need to plan accordingly.
3 Nov 2010, 14:35 pm
@Cheetah Champs(Cheetha Champs) :
Nigel Owens of Wales. Same bloke who did the Soweto-test, a good referee.
If this settled Ireland team cannot beat the current Bok team (which is without most of their top players) then the Northern Hemisphere rugby is really in trouble.
3 Nov 2010, 14:42 pm
@Robzim(Robzim) : @11 – It’s gonna be an interesting couple of weeks to see the NH vs SH battles, and see how things have been shaping up.
3 Nov 2010, 14:44 pm
@Robzim(Robzim) :
isn’t he the bottom merchant?
3 Nov 2010, 14:48 pm
@Yetirat(Yetirat) : yeah, remember Brendan Venter’s recent whine? He was moaning about how Leinster were playing ‘kick & chase’ like the Bokke and said it is going to kill rugby, this was after a defeat by Leinster with Sexo scoring all the points from his boot – i think. The crazy thing is that in our defeat last year to the paddies, sexo also kicked all the points, so we need to watch out penalties!
3 Nov 2010, 14:49 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) :
It will certainly be interesting, we see such a lot of Southern Hemisphere teams against each other (Super 14, Tri- Nations, Bledisloe cup, Mandela Cup…..) these days and I think it will be nice for both players/fans to face (or see) different opponents for a change.
3 Nov 2010, 14:52 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) : Talking about the Protea’s, did you hear when Die Burger interviewed Gibs:
Reporter – “Wat was jou beste vak op skool”
Gibs – “St 8, Marai Abrahams van Michels Plain”
3 Nov 2010, 14:53 pm
Morne and Sexton to outkick and chase each other!
Be prepared for a pedantics display by both teams
3 Nov 2010, 14:53 pm
Boks will lose this one.
3 Nov 2010, 14:53 pm
@gunther(gunther) :
lol, no, I think he is ok, – the Boks got 3/5 for tests with him in charge so far so we should probably not be too unhappy to have him again.
3 Nov 2010, 14:56 pm
Gavin Mortimer is kidding himself if he feels Sexton is the biggest threat to the Boks. Personally, I think they have far bigger problems than that.
3 Nov 2010, 14:58 pm
@Transformation(Transformation) :
Yeah Venter needs to simmer down, he’s losing respect amongst the rugby fraternity over here.
Bok back 3 will need to be prepared for Sexton’s boot. We can turn that kind of kicking game into a positive though just like Aus did against us with a structured counter-attack.
3 Nov 2010, 14:59 pm
Sexys on fire since coming back from injury.
With an all Leinster back line bar Tommy Bowe who is arguably one of the world’s best; this a back line who know each other’s game inside out with tried and tested combinations.
With the new Kiwi coach Schmitt getting an offloading game working expect Ireland to create space by reducing the number of rucks on their own ball.
With a 10 who can tackle it shores up the midfield.
With a 10 who is a genuine running threat it prevents the Bok back row from automatically drifting to cover Darcy and O Driscoll.
Ireland in fact HAVE better options in the front row than they have for some time. John Hayes could not have been dropped without the likes of Buckley and Court in the mix. Mike Ford and others pressing for places also. While none of these guys would make a world 15 they are good enough to steady the ship and we can bring on a sub at 60mins like every other side.
In the back row with Ferris, Heaslip and Wallace (with Leamy to come off the bench) Ireland have good strength.
Where the Boks need to find the advantage and make it count is at lock. While Donnacha O Callaghan is experienced I believe he lacks real brute. Mick O Driscoll is an honest toiler but no enforcer.
Boks should ( and prob will ) look for field position deep in Ireland’s 22. Relentless picks and drives around the fringes, rolling mauls and pressure. Aggression and Physical intimidation will be required to win. If Ireland front up and refuse to take it they will win even with 40% of the ball.
If SA manage to starve Ireland’s backs’ of ball and turn the game into an arm wrestle they could strangle a result
3 Nov 2010, 15:03 pm
@Horing(Horing) : @ 16 – LOFL!! Oh my ***! Had everyone in the office in stitches!
3 Nov 2010, 15:06 pm
@Horing(Horing) :
LOTFLMAO
My Afrikaans is getting better. (Had to Google Vak)
PS Can we now call him Kateepie? (Someone correct my spelling!)
3 Nov 2010, 15:07 pm
@Robzim(Robzim) : @ 15. Good point. Another issue – NH rugby has become very “diluted” with players from all over, so even the NH comps aren’t really “pure” i.e. NH players against NH players, it’s very mixed. But overall – looking forward to the next few weeks.
3 Nov 2010, 15:16 pm
@Flametop(Flametop) : @22 – Very good analysis.
Must say though, I used to love watching Keith Wood play! Yearn for those days!
3 Nov 2010, 15:22 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) :
keith woods vs james dalton
the battle of the baldy psychos.
3 Nov 2010, 15:23 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) : One of my favourite ex players, a great competitor, with no weaknesses.
3 Nov 2010, 15:25 pm
@gunther(gunther) : Hahaha – and, in those days, rugby was a bit “rougher and tougher” than it is now. Still remember hearing, and then saying a few times, “Ireland may lose the match, but they’ll win the fight”!
3 Nov 2010, 15:27 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) :
Drop kicking, grubber kicking and punting from your hooker.
(one drop kick even went over- I didn’t know whether to groan or cheer!)
But near the try line he was hard to stop
@gunther(gunther) :
Did they play against each other?
3 Nov 2010, 15:32 pm
‘Sexton the biggest threat’ ?!
*guffaw*
Well, he’s better than ROG – kicking apart – but that’s hardly saying much.
Other than that I would say that, actually, Sexton looks to be the one weak link in the backline and should be attCked relentlessly in order to lessen the real threats on the field -> BOD, Kearney Bowe.
3 Nov 2010, 15:33 pm
@gunther(gunther) :
@Flametop(Flametop) :
They did play against each other . I can still remember Keith Wood running straight over Dalton during that match – a bit too big for James to handle (same attitude).
3 Nov 2010, 15:33 pm
@Flametop(Flametop) :
I’m sure they must have.
when did woods debut?
3 Nov 2010, 15:40 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther) :
Sexton stood up well to the Bok back row last time in Croke Park.
He is also getting the Irish backline clicking much better, bringing in a running threat from the back row also.
Don’t see much weakness barring some bad days place kicking occasionally
@gunther(gunther) :
1994… they prob met at some stage
3 Nov 2010, 15:42 pm
I’m fundamentally uncomfortable with a guy called “Flame” top referring to a Player by the name Sexy…
I just can’t get into that sort of conversation…
3 Nov 2010, 15:44 pm
It’s very simple. The Boks never take Ireland seriously. Ireland always take the Boks very seriously.
The Boks will win if they treat this like a fight for survival. But if we get the usual presumption of irish incompetence the Boks will get embarrassed again. And I will get embarrassed again, having attended most of these Lansdowne/Croker showdowns in recent years.
You cruise, you lose.
3 Nov 2010, 15:45 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy) :
Believe it’s one of his nicknames. Can’t understand how that might have come about.
But get down to Cape Town and get a man bag, hang out in Camps Bay…. Still straight but a bit metro chic
3 Nov 2010, 15:48 pm
@Robzim(Robzim) :
thanks for that zimmer.
I just remember dalts heading for the try line with half the Irish hanging on to him like he had stolen their beer money.
3 Nov 2010, 15:48 pm
@funkyzoo(funkyzoo) : @ 36 The problem is, the Boks won’t treat it as such! I bet they’ve already got all their excuses ready.
3 Nov 2010, 15:49 pm
@funkyzoo(funkyzoo) :
Good post.
The general opinion from a lot of okes on here is that even if there were two full strength sides playing; that Ireland simply do not belong on the same field as SA.
They cannot accept that Ireland COULD be better than SA
That may have been the case a few years gone by but not anymore.
Not saying that Ireland are a better rugby nation, but they definitely have earned the right to some recognition
3 Nov 2010, 15:50 pm
@Flametop(Flametop) : Um…..ok. I think my diary is full….
I live in Durbanville. Where man bags will get you donnered on a Friday night….
And I’m still a bit creeped out when you wink at me……
8)
3 Nov 2010, 15:51 pm
@gunther(gunther) : Didn;t that get put into some Keg advert or something???
3 Nov 2010, 15:53 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy) :
Stop .. you’re killing me.
And stop trying to impress me with those sunglasses.
I’m ok with your preference… it’s just not for me
3 Nov 2010, 15:55 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy) : @ 41 – Don’t wanna get too personal, but roughly how old are you? I grew up in Durbanville!
3 Nov 2010, 15:57 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) : 40. And i grew up in Welgemoed.
3 Nov 2010, 16:01 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) : You?
3 Nov 2010, 16:01 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy) : Oh, OK – close enough! But you didn’t goto school in D’ville then, so unlikely that I know you! Nice part of the world – my dad still lives there.
3 Nov 2010, 16:02 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy) :
i don’t know.
I have always managed to avoid kegs.
even as a student.
3 Nov 2010, 16:03 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) : You have a sister??
3 Nov 2010, 16:03 pm
@gunther(gunther) : Not my thing either. Just remember the TV advert.
3 Nov 2010, 16:03 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy) : @46 – I’m 35, so we prob wouldn’t have been in school at the same time, or just missed each other. I went to Fairmont High.
3 Nov 2010, 16:04 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) : You go to an English or Afrikaans school?
3 Nov 2010, 16:06 pm
@Flametop(Flametop) :
@stormersboy(stormersboy) :
jeez
would you guys like some time alone.
I think the Nick’s Baabaas take shape thread is free.
just hang a do not disturb sign on the door.
3 Nov 2010, 16:07 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) : @51 I went to the other one in Parow. Settlers. I mat have been in Matric when you were in Std 6 then. Cool. I know a lot of Fairmont people. Good lot.
3 Nov 2010, 16:07 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy) : @ 49 – Yes I do as a matter of fact!
3 Nov 2010, 16:08 pm
Grunter
Hardenthefuckup.
3 Nov 2010, 16:08 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) : Older or younger?
3 Nov 2010, 16:10 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy) : @54 – Yeah, that timing is probably right. You guys were always our biggest rugby rivals! Anyway – nice to meet you.
3 Nov 2010, 16:11 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy) : @ 57 – 5 years younger.
3 Nov 2010, 16:11 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy) :
you’ll appreciate if I don’t tell you to do the same given your recent attempts at internet dating
3 Nov 2010, 16:11 pm
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) : And you too Irish.
3 Nov 2010, 16:13 pm
@gunther(gunther) : Yeah I thought you’d appreciate the Irony there.
@GoBokkeAndIreland(GoBokkeAndIreland) : Ok then it’s not relevant
3 Nov 2010, 16:13 pm
@gunther(gunther) : @ 53 – Don’t get jealous now! Cheers guys, catch up tomorrow for more rugby chat!
3 Nov 2010, 16:31 pm
@funkyzoo(funkyzoo) : 36.
I could not have said it better.
3 Nov 2010, 16:54 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther) : 31. Lots of derogatory comments about Sexton there i see. You do realise that he’s already won the Heineken Cup in 2009 with Leinster. Scored a drop goal from his own half that day (at sea level guys, not the high veldt). Ran the show against Saracens a few weeks ago, scoring all 25 points including a classy try. He’s everything ROG is not. Take your eye off him and he’ll punish you.
Our chant for him at Leinster is to the tune of the Kings of Leon song:
Whoo-oooh that Sexton’s on fiiiire!
3 Nov 2010, 17:00 pm
@ultra vires(ultra vires) : yeah….Sure it’s not to the tune of a Villiage People song?
3 Nov 2010, 17:28 pm
Ultra Vires
fair call and, as I said, he’s a massive improvement on ROG.
But he still looks hot’n'cold to me which is hardly the best criteria for Test rugby. AB fans are having to endure Donald Duck in the same position and Id be delighted if he was offering hot’n'cold but unfort it’s more like frostbite.
3 Nov 2010, 18:06 pm
the guy who runs Rugbydump reckons the Boks are in for a hiding, to use his own words.
3 Nov 2010, 19:13 pm
PdV and his 2 clowns are the biggest threat to the Boks.
3 Nov 2010, 20:23 pm
@gunther(gunther) :
Who asked you cupid?
3 Nov 2010, 20:32 pm
@fantasticbarnsmell(fantasticbarnsmell) :
As much as we are all wishing for a win – I honestly doubt we will get one! The style of play is so outdated and I don’t think the present coaching staff have what it takes to change things around.
He will choose Spies at 8, the one dimensional Steyn at 10 and the kick and chase will be the game plan!
3 Nov 2010, 21:15 pm
@Bill Reyts(Gumboots) : my fears exactly
3 Nov 2010, 23:16 pm
@fantasticbarnsmell(fantasticbarnsmell) : my fears too…ouch…here comes my migrane!
4 Nov 2010, 03:42 am
Ha! We all know Sexton isn’t the biggest threat. It’s the coaching staff.
4 Nov 2010, 04:32 am
O Gara is a **** wont be missed by anybody…
I think the boks are going to klapped if the combinations are wrong and players selected with little game time.
We can win it if we keep it tight and play percenatge rugby.
Whatever the Boks do dont turn your back on the Irish as we know what will happen.
4 Nov 2010, 04:41 am
One of South Africa’s most promising young rugby players has been banned for three months for the use of a banned stimulant.
4 Nov 2010, 05:36 am
Anybody know what happened to BigHit?
4 Nov 2010, 06:02 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack) :
That will be Goosen?
Someone said yesterday he bought over the counter suppliments which turned out to have the banned substance in it. Few Aussie atheletes was also ‘caught’ not long ago and we got an email two weeks ago warning us to check all supliments including things like Vit C and Zinc etc.
4 Nov 2010, 06:25 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast) : I had a stab at the proposed substance yesterday, words along the line of he probably had a double shot of espresso. Low and behold I read on 365 he had a hit of Jack 3D … whatever that is. Supposedly it is loaded with… caffeine.
Well, there you go… the kid needs to be de-caffeinated.
I’m sure if he were on the JD & coke they wouldn’t have raised an eyebrow… errr maybe not.
4 Nov 2010, 06:52 am
George Gregan got into alot of bother in Au telling school kids to dose up on caffiene before games. It does work but I have never taken it in undustrial doses yet. Yet
4 Nov 2010, 07:00 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack) : Anyone that drinks double shots knows the kick. But from my understanding (I just looked up Jack 3D) this stuff really boots like a mule.
I don’t reckon Georgie was advocating juicing up on Jack, probably educating the kiddies to the finer tastes in life. He does own a few upmarket cafes.
4 Nov 2010, 07:09 am
Nah he was pushing the good **** thats why he kopped it.
4 Nov 2010, 07:24 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack) :
There was a big story this year in league about guys filling up with caffeine when a player nearly died after a game. Not to be played around with…
4 Nov 2010, 08:29 am
@Slartibartfast(Slartibartfast) : The player I think you mean is Ben Cousins (AFL not league; story goes – mixed uppers and downers.
State of O guys were messing about with the same cocktail of No Doz and XXXXX ( I wont mention the drug) a few days before game time. Silly buggers.
4 Nov 2010, 16:51 pm
@RugbyRulz(RugbyRulz) :
Francois Pienaar was even more effusive when he said it was common to ‘juice up’ prior to CC in the old days, with the strong connotation it was amphetamines
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