ROG: Set to replace Sexton
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."
Comments
ben7 says...
Two words
JAQUE FOURIE!
Posted 23:24 20th February 2013
melkdave says...
Yes challange ROG,as he isnt even starting,Is L.Kiss even in the loop with DK i wonder.
Posted 21:37 20th February 2013
damo says...
Who is going to back his running game? recently his kicking has been awful also so hes an ok defender and a poor attacker how is he on the Irish pannel?
Posted 18:12 20th February 2013
cayzam says...
Well he's certainly no Henry Honiball (scariest tackling flyhalf ever), but he is better than some of the turnstiles out there.
Posted 18:02 20th February 2013
Warrior7 says...
The revolving door
Posted 15:37 20th February 2013
lawynd says...
So his tackling isn't the strongest part of his skillset - big whoop. If fly-halves are to be judged on their tackling then something is rotten in the state of Denmark. At least he attempts to tackle players running his channel, unlike Quadestile and Cipriani.
And I don't even like the bloke!
Posted 14:39 20th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
The guy has been part of successful eurocup winning teams. He may not knock people backwards but he's hardly Ryan Lamb or Danny Cipriani either.
Posted 13:58 20th February 2013
Sheridan says...
Apparently Jackson and Marshall are going to start according to the rumor mill and the Irish Times so DK may surprise us all....
Posted 12:32 20th February 2013
connaughtabu says...
ROG's defence? As we say in these parts - Is he having a laugh?!
Posted 12:26 20th February 2013
carpelone says...
suilven
to define ROG, the second part of your word applies best.
Posted 12:24 20th February 2013
suilven says...
Ronan O'Gara defence : an excellent example of an oxymoron.
Posted 11:30 20th February 2013
Haldir says...
Eeeerm........
Posted 11:27 20th February 2013
carpelone says...
O'Gara's tackle is like....kiss
Posted 11:07 20th February 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
"Cheers Les" : ROGs text to Les.
Posted 10:53 20th February 2013
Michtymauler says...
Maybe one of the Scottish props could target him.. Only fair as they'll be operating at the same speed as ole man ROG !! ;-)
Posted 10:48 20th February 2013
georgesmith says...
R. O. Gara... really! I don't think so.
Posted 10:44 20th February 2013
99call says...
So any dream or thoughts that we did have that ROG wouldnt start are gone, we all knew this was going to happen but we all did have that little wishful thought in the back of our minds that DK might shock us and pick one of the young lads........No chance really
Lets just hope hes going to pick Marshall at 12 and feels that he could start 2 new caps at 10 and 12 which is fair enough
Posted 10:43 20th February 2013