Declan Kidney was pleased with Jonathan Sexton and Ireland's win over Fiji, but his joy was tempered by an ankle injury to Denis Leamy.
Leamy injury takes gloss of encouraging triumph
Ireland coach Declan Kidney was pleased with his side's 41-6 triumph over Fiji, but his satisfaction was tempered by an ankle injury to Denis Leamy.
The Munster back-rower was forced from the field early in the second half of Saturday's match although was boosted by the news that initial X-rays revealed no fracture.
However, he seems likely to miss next week's clash with South Africa although further tests on Sunday will determine the full extent of the injury.
That blow aside, Kidney felt his side had produced an encouraging showing and has particular praise for Jonathan Sexton who produced an assured debut in the number ten shirt, scoring 16 points.
"Jonathan showed great maturity out there," Kidney stated. "Then again, I'm not surprised. Last year, when things were not going so well for him, he stuck at it, which is a great sign."
However, Kidney is still likely to revert back to the experienced Ronan O'Gara for next weekend's showdown with the world champions Springboks, using Sexton from the bench.
Sexton satisfied
The Leinster fly-half was understandably happy with his international bow, commenting: "I'm very happy, but there are always things to work on.
"Obviously, everyone in the squad wants to start, but they are not decisions I'm here to make."
Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll, whose try early in the second half arguably turned the game, insisted the victory had not been as easy as the final scoreline suggested.
"One thing I have learned is that you have to grind down sides," O'Driscoll said. "That took us 60 or 70 minutes. The days of cricket scores in these sorts of matches are behind us."
Fiji coach Glen Ella acknowledged he too had been dazzled by Sexton's eye-catching debut, declaring: "I was impressed by Ireland's number 10. He has a bright future for many years to come."
Ella impressed
However, he felt his troops had also put on a decent display but had not been rewarded for their efforts as Ireland boosted their tally with a couple of late scores.
"We actually played much better than 41-6," Ella continued. "Obviously, Ireland are a quality team, they are very clinical.
"Naturally, we are disappointed but, in saying that, we improved from the Scotland game.
"We did, however, have a problem competing for the full 80 minutes."
Assistant coach Mike Brewer agreed Ireland had been superior to the challenge provided by Scotland, adding: "The difference is how clinical Ireland are. We definitely improved from the Scotland game, but Ireland play with pace and intensity, whereas Scotland are not there yet."
