Who Should Play 10?

O'Gara Vs. Sexton

As the Rugby World Cup 2011 looms ever closer, rugby pundits the world over are tirelessly speculating on their country’s ‘perfect’ World Cup team. In the dream team, one position is more hotly contested and debated than any other; the decision maker, the kicker, the link between the backs and the forwards- the fly half.  Now for many countries, such as favorites; New Zealand, there is an obvious solution to this dilemma- Dan Carter. However, for the majority of teams like the Bokke, England and crucially; Ireland, the answer is not so simple.

So who should take to the field in the coveted number 10 jersey for the Irish come September? There are really only two candidates; the 34 year old, experienced, reliable kicker Ronan O’Gara or the 25 year, solid yet exciting playmaker Johnny Sexton. Declan Kidney, the national Irish coach, has been struggling with this decision for quite some time, with 0’Gara starting 2 of the 2010 Six Nations games and Sexton 3.

What O’Gara brings to the game is a wealth of experience that most other coaches could only dream of. He’s plied his trade at Munster for the past decade and not coincidentally the Limerick team has dominated European rugby for just as long. He has already been to two World Cups and let’s not forgets his Grand Slam winning goal kick in Cardiff in 2003. His kicking out of hand is outstanding and he has a deep tactical understanding for the game that only comes with years of playing big matches. Surely he is the perfect number 10 to take Ireland to the top?

Not necessarily. Enter Johnny Sexton- Leinsters match winning fly half. Sexton has a great eye for the game, and his play making skills are exceptional. He is able to break the line, and has enough paces to get round his opposite man. His silky handling and running ability play into the strengths of arguably Ireland’s Best player; Brian O’Driscoll. And while O’Gara is often run over in the inside channel Sexton is a very capable defender. Some may argue that O’Gara needs to have a place in the side if only for his kicking, but Sexton is also a very competent kicker, which was instrumental in Ireland’s win over South Africa.

The last 3 World Cups have all been won by teams with an extraordinary fly half, one who was able to kick points coupled with impenetrable defense. So what do you think, who should run on the field in the number 10 jersey come the World Cup? Please leave your comments and suggestions below.

We Remember Kader Asmal

The Irish Association would like to extend our condolences to all the family and friends of this extraordinary man. Activist, teacher, lawyer, professor, politician and, above all, man of principle, ANC stalwart Kader Asmal passed away on Wednesday afternoon. He will be remembered not only for the part he played in the struggle against apartheid, but for his many services to the new South Africa - as MP and Cabinet member, his unwavering commitment to non-racial, democratic principles and his courage to speak the truth.

Kader, who was inspired as a schoolboy by Walter Sisulu, moved to London after he graduated as a school teacher where he enrolled at the London School of Economics and Political Science. While in London he started the British Anti-Apartheid Movement and when he joined the Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland as a teacher of human rights, labour and international law, he started the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement. Kader qualified as a barrister in both the London and Dublin Bars and received degrees from both the London School of Economics (LL.M. (Lond.)) and Trinity College, Dublin (M.A. (Dubl.)). He was a law professor at Trinity College for 27 years, specializing in human rights, labour, and international law.

In 1990, Asmal returned to South Africa and shortly afterwards was elected to the African National Congress' National Executive Committee. In 1993, he served as a member of the negotiating team of the African National Congress at the Multiparty Negotiating Forum. In May 1994, he was elected to the National Assembly, and joined the cabinet as Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry. Asmal had a great passion for Ireland and returned frequently after moving to South Africa.