O’Sullivan defends ‘skilful’ O’Gara
Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has today leapt to the defence of fly-half Ronan O’Gara as his side prepare to take on Australia in Perth on Saturday.
The Munster man was blamed for the defensive lapses that ultimately cost Ireland the second Test against New Zealand, when All Blacks fly-half Luke McAlister brushed the lighter Irishman aside in a five-metre charge for the line.
But O’Gara has been retained for the clash with the Wallabies, with O’Sullivan retaining full confidence in him.
“Ronan is not the biggest back in world rugby,” O’Sullivan said.
“He’s an incredibly skilful player and runner of the game.
“What happens in modern rugby is that the opposition try to set up a mismatch with a guy who is 10 kilos heavier. It’s a car wreck.
“And that’s what happened on Saturday night. It’s a bit like a dump truck hitting a bike.
“He keeps working on his defence but occasionally he gets caught.”
