Kidney all smiles as Ireland turn it on

AS DRESS rehearsals go, this was up there with the best. Ireland’s display against the inexperienced but gritty Fijians left coach Declan Kidney smiling despite the selection headaches he faces ahead of Saturday’s date with world champions South Africa.

On the plus side, new out-half Jonathan Sexton emerged with the man-of-the-match award while Keith Earls continues to impress in both his versatility and scoring prowess. On the negative side, Denis Leamy sustained a serious ankle injury which will be a blow both to Kidney and to Munster boss Tony McGahan ahead of a crucial phase in the Heineken Cup.

There was never a time when Ireland looked troubled although inevitably the proud Fijians made them fight for superiority. Somehow though, one just knew that Ireland would pull away in the end; with the help of a marvellous display from young Sexton allied to stunning contributions from Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Earls and of course, captain Brian O’Driscoll.