Ireland coach Declan Kidney has admitted the No.10 jersey is still very much up for grabs.
Skipper O'Driscoll backing Sexton's selection
Ireland coach Declan Kidney has admitted the No.10 jersey is still very much up for grabs.
Leinster fly-half Jonathan Sexton impressed in the win over Fiji and retains the shirt for this week's tougher assignment against world champions South Africa at Croke Park.
It is a bold selection that significantly weakens Munster veteran Ronan O'Gara's grip on a position he has dominated for six years.
The last time a different outside-half was preferred against another major nation was when David Humphreys faced Argentina at the 2003 World Cup.
O'Gara has started every Six Nations match since - 30 games in total - and has only been overlooked by Ireland when on Lions duty or being rested against minor opposition.
O'Gara, whose form has been patchy over the last two years, will be 34 when the 2011 World Cup arrives so time is running out to anoint his successor.
The Springboks will offer a clearer picture of whether Sexton is the solution and Kidney admitted he needed to see the 24-year-old truly tested.
"I know we have a world-class outside half in Ronan but we have to find out things about ourselves," he said.
"Jonathan had a good game last week but with respect, Fiji were short of a few so it was difficult to read. I need to find out more.
"I worked with Jonathan last year and gave him the nod for the 'A' team and that answered a lot of questions.
"I know we still have Ronan available. He's disappointed he's not playing but I can't pick everybody all of the time.
Perfect pro
"Ronan is disappointed but is the perfect pro. He's taken it on the chin, has continued training and has contributed to the team exactly as he would normally.
"It was a difficult call but that doesn't really matter. My job is to pick Ireland team and that's what I've done."
Most of Brian O'Driscoll's 95 caps have been won alongside O'Gara and the Ireland captin is backing his long-time friend to recover from his surprise exclusion.
"Declan is looking to give Jonathan an opportunity after he proved himself against an under-strength Fiji side," O'Driscoll said.
"It's another chance for him against the world champions. They're two different prospects.
"Ronan will be disappointed to be sitting on the bench but he's a strong character and has shown time and time again that he turns up for the big moments.
"We know he's capable of that and this is just a chance for Jonny to prove his worth."
