Kidney explains O'Gara omission

Ireland coach Declan Kidney today revealed Jonathan Sexton's Test debut offered compelling grounds to axe Ronan O'Gara for the first time since 2003.

Sexton's outstanding display against Fiji last weekend has enabled him to seize the number 10 jersey for Saturday's clash with world champions South Africa at Croke Park.

It is a bold selection that significantly weakens O'Gara's grip on a position he has dominated for six years.

The last time a different outside-half was preferred against another major nation was when David Humphreys faced Argentina at the 2003 World Cup.

O'Gara has started every single RBS 6 Nations match since - 30 games in total - and has only been overlooked by Ireland when on Lions duty or being rested against minor opposition.

Sexton's promotion reflects the urgency with which Kidney must uncover an alternative in a position that has been cursed by a critical lack of depth.

O'Gara, whose form has been patchy over the last two years, will be 34 when the 2011 World Cup arrives so time is running out to anoint his successor.

The Springboks will offer a clearer picture of whether Sexton is the solution and Kidney admitted he needed to see the 24-year-old from Leinster truly tested.

"I know we have a world-class outside half in Ronan but we have to find out things about ourselves," he said.

"Jonathan had a good game last week but with respect, Fiji were short of a few so it was difficult to read. I need to find out more.

"I worked with Jonathan last year and gave him the nod for the 'A' team and that answered a lot of questions.

"I know we still have Ronan available. He's disappointed he's not playing but I can't pick everybody all of the time.

"Ronan is disappointed but is the perfect pro. He's taken it on the chin, has continued training and has contributed to the team exactly as he would normally.

"It was a difficult call but that doesn't really matter. My job is to pick Ireland team and that's what I've done."

Most of Brian O'Driscoll's 95 caps have been won alongside O'Gara and the Ireland captain is backing his long-time friend to recover from his surprise exclusion.

"Declan is looking to give Jonathan an opportunity after he proved himself against an under-strength Fiji side," O'Driscoll said.

"It's another chance for him against the world champions. They're two different prospects.

"Ronan will be disappointed to be sitting on the bench but he's a strong character and has shown time and time again that he turns up for the big moments.

"We know he's capable of that and this is just a chance for Jonny to prove his worth."

The decision to elevate Sexton reflects well on Kidney, who has otherwise kept faith with the XV that drew 20-20 with Australia in Ireland's autumn opener.

The only other change is enforced with Keith Earls of Munster replacing knee injury victim Luke Fitzgerald on the left wing.

Ulster's Paddy Wallace is restored at inside centre where he is preferred ahead of Gordon D'Arcy, who features among the substitutes.

Cian Healy of Leinster resumes loosehead duties after missing out against Fiji because of a shoulder injury.

Munster prop Tony Buckley supplies front-row cover from a bench that sees scrum-half Peter Stringer get the nod ahead of Eoin Reddan.

Back row Denis Leamy also features among the replacements despite suffering an ankle injury against the Fijians.