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Autumn Internationals Betting Tips: Ireland v Fiji
Hugh Cahill / 03 November 2009 Free Bet View Market
"O'Gara's pin point kicking and a patient and physical display by the pack will see Ireland kick on from the Australia match with another win"
For me, it's slightly disappointing that Ireland's easiest opponents of the three have come in the middle stage. Had Ireland faced Australia and South Africa with their strongest fifteen in the first two games, it would allow Kidney the chance to throw in some of his uncapped players against Fiji and give them the chance to shine. As it stands, handing Jonathon Sexton, Darren Cave or Sean O'Brien their first full senior cap before facing the World champions may not be in Kidneys thoughts. They may well see some game time in this one, but Im not sure Kidney will throw caution to the wind, break up momentum from the Australia match and treat this is an experiment like many out there think he will. The prospect of beating South Africa cannot be entertained on the back of no momentum. The tried and tested will be handed the task of building confidence with a win against Fiji.
Any question of picking Jonathon Sexton over Ronan O'Gara at the pivotal role of fly half is a debate wide of the mark. Sexton is undoubtedly the form ten in Irish rugby at the moment but there is no way Declan Kidney will overlook O'Gara's years of experience and exemplary service in the green jersey because of a few below par performances. While Sexton might just be the future for Ireland at fly half, O'Gara's best years are certainly not behind him yet and I fully expect him to start all three internationals. If Sexton gets a chance to come off the bench, he must grab it with both hands.
Fiji will present certain problems for Ireland. As Wales will attest after their World Cup exit in 2007, Fiji cannot be underestimated. They are fast, strong and more than willing to play to their strengths and run the ball at every opportunity. A lot of their squad now play at the top tier of club rugby right across the world and if Ireland play in to their hands and fail to control the game, they could well spring an upset. Declan Kidney will know this and set his stall out accordingly. If Ireland can dominate the line out and scrum - the latter made all the more difficult given the current injury problems in the front row - they should have the platform to pick off their Southern hemisphere opponents. O'Gara's pin point kicking and a patient and physical display by the pack will see Ireland kick on from the Australia match with another win.
