Kiss backs O'Gara's defence

Editor

Ireland defence coach Les Kiss is challenging Scotland to target Ronan O'Gara in Sunday's Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.

Ireland defence coach Les Kiss is challenging Scotland to target Ronan O'Gara in Sunday's Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.

O'Gara is expected to come into the starting XV, as the injured Jonathan Sexton's replacement at fly-half when Ireland coach Declan Kidney announces his team on Wednesday.

If he is selected, O'Gara will be seen as the weak link on defence. But Kiss believes the Scots are in for a surprise if they attack the number 10 channel.

“Most teams will target the half-backs,” he said.

“Since I've been in charge of defence my motto has been 'Let them have a go because it's fools gold a lot of the time'.”

“It can actually set the opposition up to go down a path that we want them to go down. If Ronan is starting for us, then let them go there.

“We believe in what we have in the squad. Our defence is strong across the park, so we invite them to attack where they want.”

Ireland know that they have to beat Scotland to stay in contention for the title, and Kiss is under no illusion of the importance of the task that lies ahead this weekend.

“It's time to step forward and face the next challenge because you can't look too far behind in this competition,” he said.

“Right now the Six Nations is in a precarious situation for a lot of teams. There's no done deal on what's going to happen.

“If we get it right this weekend, we'll be in a strong position heading into the France game.”