IN CONOR MURRAY and Johnny Sexton, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has a halfback pairing of the highest quality as he builds towards the 2015 Six Nations and World Cup.
The playmaking duo gave a sharp demonstration of their world-class abilities at the Aviva Stadium last night, guiding Ireland to their 29-15 victory with composure, aggression and intelligence.
In contrast to the stuttering Springboks scrum-half Francois Hougaard and inexperienced but exciting 20-year-old out-half Handré Pollard, the Irish partnership shone.
Schmidt sent Ireland out in Dublin with a brief that included much kicking from hand, an area in which Murray and Sexton delivered notably. The Munster scrum-half’s kicking game has made vast strides of progress in the last two years, with his boxing allowing the chasing players to get under the ball and compete ferociously.
Sexton, meanwhile, was expertly spiralling the ball out of hand both on the run and in his line-kicking for touch. That is the true sign of confidence in the 29-year-old, as he backs his technique to eat up those crucial extra metres.
One late, low spiral in behind Bryan Habana was the most prominent example; a kick that is almost impossible to defend again.
There is no intention of getting carried away in lauding the quality of Ireland’s halfbacks against what was a disappointing South Africa side, but Schmidt will have increased belief in his playmakers’ ability to perfectly execute the plan.
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Murray made a clever sniping half-break in the first 40 minutes. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Sexton has always been a keen defender, shooting in high on ball carriers and repeatedly looking to initiate the choke tackle. That can give up metres on occasions, but few other out-halves in the world make as much of a defensive impact as the Racing Métro man.
Similarly, Murray provides an assurance in defence that not many of his peers can offer, with his 6ft 2ins frame and appetite for contact sweeping behind the front line in intimidating fashion.
The 25-year-old oozes composure on the pitch, possessing that rare ability to think calmly despite the volume of 51,000 supporters and a team of powerful Boks bearing down on him.
A superb pre-rehearsed assist with his right boot for Tommy Bowe was a prime example.
Murray and Sexton may not be at this standard every single time they play for Ireland; such an expectation would be difficult to justify. In those instances, Schmidt will look for others to step up and guide the team.
There is also the issue of whether or not the next layer of halfbacks is of a quality that bears any resemblance to Murray and Sexton.
Sexton brings a physical capability that many 10s don't have. Cathal Noonan / INPHO
Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO
Eoin Reddan is not quite the same type of scrum-half as Murray, but Schmidt is a firm fan of the Leinster man’s ability to dictate the tempo. Kieran Marmion of Connacht provides another option, one that brings with it a major sniping threat.
Paul O’Connell spoke post-match about how impressive Ian Madigan’s confidence had been when he entered the fray late on last night, but the Leinster playmaker has not had long spells of game time in the out-half position.
Ian Keatley and Paddy Jackson have excelled for their provinces, but the continuing impression is that Sexton’s fitness is going to be the key for Schmidt’s Ireland in the next year.
The quality of the out-half’s place-kicking in Dublin meant another large tick beside his name in the assessment of this encounter, as he slotted six from six off the tee with no fuss.
Whatever about already-missing stars like Sean O’Brien and Cian Healy, ensuring that Sexton and Murray stay fit and healthy is a priority for Ireland’s coaching and medical staff over the next 12 months.
With that pairing wearing numbers nine and 10, Schmidt can rest assured that his intelligent game plans will continue to be carried out effectively.
He is excellent but some of his kicking isn’t great. Did one short box kick straight to opposition hands and had his team in trouble. Not the first time.
Only part of his game that I don’t like, same for munster in champions cup…. Kicking away position to opposition – putting pressure straight back on forwards… I can’t see the point unless he is finding the line or at least if it can be contested in the air. Most the time not
Its probably between murray and aaron smith for best 9 on the planet at the moment. Parra, care and genia just behind but none of them can defend like murray.
Absolutely agree that Murray is one of the top SH’s in the game, but if you’re making a list, I’m surprised how many are forgetting about the superb Du Preez and Pienaar? Though Hoegaard was very average for SA and he’s going to be nowhere near the 9 jersey come World Cup for the Saffas – injuries permitting, it’ll be Pienaar and Fourie du Preez.
Agree that Pienaar should be included in that list, the Springboks could have used a reassuring controller of a game the longer that the match went on. We definatly benefited from his absence.
And that’s the nature of developing a quality squad where there is strength and depth. While Ireland certainly benefited from Hoegaard’s average performance, I was actually going to say that South Africa benefited from the absence of O’Brien and Healy .. but in fact McGrath and Ruddock played superbly and minimised the absence of those two – and I think that’s what will satisfy Schmidt and POC so much, developing this strength and depth ahead of the next 12mths.
As a pairing at this stage they are only below Smith and Carter on the international stage. Jonny has been the NH premier 10 for quiet some time at this stage but since the Lions tour Murray has improved game on game. Has to be the most all round threat at 9 on the planet. Seriously he has everything in locker from passing to ball carrying to playmaking, and the more other teams realise his threat and move to counter it then the more space that opens up for other players.
Nucifora should get on Matt O’Connor’s case and insist Madigan get more game time at 10 for Leinster. The upcoming home and away Heino matches against Harlequins would be a good place to start!!!!
Joe should just manage all of the Irish teams, just give him every penny that the IRFU have to let him run the game in Ireland! We’ll be the new AB’s in no time at all.
Thanks a million The Fake Straight. I seen your amusing puns and i just had to get involved. You are my idol and I have much respect for your opposite jokes.
Yours in Puns
Sean Barbers Son
I remember just fine. He missed a moderately difficult kick that would have put us clear of the ABs. Unfortunate, but hardly an example of Sexton shitting himself. A harsh insult to a class player.
Can’t perform under pressure? correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t sexton get MOTM in two Heineken cup finals? Which is pretty high pressure situations also he had a very good game against the all blacks had he not missed that kick you would probably be talking about how well he played on the day, can’t put the loss down to him at all.
Getting paid handsomely has nothing to do with the difficulty of the kick. He is a world class out half but not a world class place kicker (still pretty damn good though).
That’s a fact James but he missed some very easy kicks against France in that game and I mean easy . Eventually got one over that just skidded in. His big game mentality is suspect! But ya he was on point Saturday.
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Murray is genuinely world class now, possibly the best 9 on the planet.
He is excellent but some of his kicking isn’t great. Did one short box kick straight to opposition hands and had his team in trouble. Not the first time.
Only part of his game that I don’t like, same for munster in champions cup…. Kicking away position to opposition – putting pressure straight back on forwards… I can’t see the point unless he is finding the line or at least if it can be contested in the air. Most the time not
Its probably between murray and aaron smith for best 9 on the planet at the moment. Parra, care and genia just behind but none of them can defend like murray.
Absolutely agree that Murray is one of the top SH’s in the game, but if you’re making a list, I’m surprised how many are forgetting about the superb Du Preez and Pienaar? Though Hoegaard was very average for SA and he’s going to be nowhere near the 9 jersey come World Cup for the Saffas – injuries permitting, it’ll be Pienaar and Fourie du Preez.
Agree that Pienaar should be included in that list, the Springboks could have used a reassuring controller of a game the longer that the match went on. We definatly benefited from his absence.
And that’s the nature of developing a quality squad where there is strength and depth. While Ireland certainly benefited from Hoegaard’s average performance, I was actually going to say that South Africa benefited from the absence of O’Brien and Healy .. but in fact McGrath and Ruddock played superbly and minimised the absence of those two – and I think that’s what will satisfy Schmidt and POC so much, developing this strength and depth ahead of the next 12mths.
Parra just behind Smith and Murray? What planet are you on? He can’t even make his club team never mind the french team.
As a pairing at this stage they are only below Smith and Carter on the international stage. Jonny has been the NH premier 10 for quiet some time at this stage but since the Lions tour Murray has improved game on game. Has to be the most all round threat at 9 on the planet. Seriously he has everything in locker from passing to ball carrying to playmaking, and the more other teams realise his threat and move to counter it then the more space that opens up for other players.
Seriously Johnny?
Nucifora should get on Matt O’Connor’s case and insist Madigan get more game time at 10 for Leinster. The upcoming home and away Heino matches against Harlequins would be a good place to start!!!!
And maybe even tell him to get back to the Joe Schmidt game plan!
Joe should just manage all of the Irish teams, just give him every penny that the IRFU have to let him run the game in Ireland! We’ll be the new AB’s in no time at all.
Jonny Sexton is up there with the best flankers in the world
Hello sean great to see the youth community been given a chance on thescore. Best of luck anyways.
Yours in Puns
Real Les Rock
Thanks a million The Fake Straight. I seen your amusing puns and i just had to get involved. You are my idol and I have much respect for your opposite jokes.
Yours in Puns
Sean Barbers Son
Cant wait to work with you Sean hairdressers daughter
The feeling is mutual mate. On a serious note, I can’t find my dad anywhere
I’ll ask Graham kavanagh for ya
Don’t feed the fools like joe bloggs , sexton and Murray have nothing to prove to clueless twits behind keyboards
At least sexton didn’t shit himself last night again.
Idiot.
Do I need to remind you of the new Zealand game last year?????
I remember just fine. He missed a moderately difficult kick that would have put us clear of the ABs. Unfortunate, but hardly an example of Sexton shitting himself. A harsh insult to a class player.
It was not a moderately difficult kick. He gets paid a handsome wage to kick penalties and he proved last year that he can’t perform under pressure.
Can’t perform under pressure? correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t sexton get MOTM in two Heineken cup finals? Which is pretty high pressure situations also he had a very good game against the all blacks had he not missed that kick you would probably be talking about how well he played on the day, can’t put the loss down to him at all.
Sexton did shit the kick v ab, everyone said it but he was v good yesterday
And the 2 tries he scored against France in our 6n decider…
Getting paid handsomely has nothing to do with the difficulty of the kick. He is a world class out half but not a world class place kicker (still pretty damn good though).
Sexton has never been a reliable goalkicker for Ireland but hopefully he’s turned a corner now. He certainly has it in him.
6 from 6 placed kicks. Looks like O Gara’s coaching is starting to bare fruit..
As long as O’Gara isn’t coaching him on how to be good in defence then we’ll be ok.
Donkey
Lest we not forget his performance in the six nations finale last year.
Statistically he was the 2nd best player in the six nations and joint top try scorer
The man is a winner and an all action try scoring number 10!
His assists and try scoring alone makes up for his off days on the tee!
He has performed at the highest level in the league, in Europe and in the six nations.
Look forward to see in him at his best for the world cup
That’s a fact James but he missed some very easy kicks against France in that game and I mean easy . Eventually got one over that just skidded in. His big game mentality is suspect! But ya he was on point Saturday.
All players have their off days.
Didn’t ROG gift an intercept try in the semi final of the Heineken Cup against Leinster at Croker?
Didn’t he cough up the penalty which lost the Lions the series in South Africa?
And on that famous day in Cardiff, despite his heroics didnt he miss some important penalites?
How about his legendary suspect defence?
How about his shocking display against Scotland in Kindeys final six nations?
I love how people take a pop a Sexton despite his contribution to the Irish rugby……
Was South Africa disappointing ? Think the Ireland squad carried out Joes plan so completely that the Boks lost confidence in their own game plan.
I’d say the BOKs are regretting never picking Rory Kockett at scrum half, too good of a player to let a nation like France have.
I think it’s ok to get carried away….we’ve the best 9 and 10 in the world!!
Joe Bloggs you are a d1ckh3ad
Robert please what has Rog got to do with it?
I love how people take a pop at Rog despite his contribution to Irish rugby
Top class