Cronin: O’Connell ‘one of the best line-out operators’

By Grainne McGuinness and Shaun Cronin

Sean Cronin is relishing the battle ahead facing South Africa on Saturday and is confident Ireland are up to the challenge.

At the team announcement on Thursday he was asked about the challenges of facing lineout specialist Victor Matfield.

The hooker was unfazed and insisted that Ireland could match the Springboks in that aspect of the game.

“I’ve one of the best lineout operators on my side as well in Paul O’Connell,” said Cronin.

“Hopefully he can get me into the game nice and early.”

Cronin said the ability to perform at the lineouts and set-pieces was going to be a major factor in deciding the outcome of the match.

“It’s going to be huge part of the game,” he said.

“Set-pieces in general will be a huge focus for me to get right because that is a key element to get into the game.”

Cronin has been promoted to the starting 15 in the absence of injured Rory Best and is determined to make the most of the chance.

“From a personal point of view I see it as a great opportunity,” he said, and he emphasized that building for the future was a key aim of the match.

“Going forward as a group, we need to get a performance.

“We’re looking to build a group and build past the core group of players we’ve had over the last couple of seasons.”