Rory Keane reports from Port Elizabeth
IRELAND’S NEW GENERATION have been tasked with making history at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium today.
Johnny Sexton, Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne have formed Ireland’s midfield throughout the Joe Schmidt era but now an all-Ulster axis will command the 10-12-13 channels for Ireland.
Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall and Stuart Olding will look to contain the triple threat of Elton Jantjies, Damian de Allende and Lionel Mapoe in this seismic third and final Test in Port Elizabeth [KO 4pm Irish time, Sky Sports].
All three were earmarked for success early in their secondary school careers, with international honours at underage level following soon after. All three soon became household names at Ulster but it hasn’t been plain sailing for any of them. The road to Test recognition has been arduous for this talented trio.
Once out-half rivals during their Ulster Schools Cup days, Jackson and Marshall would go on to make their Test debuts together against Scotland at Murrayfield in February 2013.
An ill-fated Six Nations encounter which would signal the beginning of the end for Declan Kidney as head coach.
For the former Methodist College student Jackson, seeing his old Ballymena Academy rival Marshall flourish on this tour has been especially pleasing given the Ulster centre’s well-documented concussion problems over the past few seasons:
“Playing against each other at school and being rivals, and then getting that chance together and coming through 18s and 20s, and then I don’t want to delve too much into but obviously the head injuries that he had, I was definitely worried for him for a while.
“Then there were certain times in training when he was coming back he was obviously a bit down and stuff; he was struggling a bit after being out for so long.
“But then the form he’s been in this season is incredible. Especially for Ulster, I think he’s been the rock of our side.
“He just keeps going, keeps running and keeps putting his body on the line, and then he can step into ‘10’ when I’m running around like a mad man, so that gives me a bit of a break at times.”
Having operated outside Marshall and Olding in consecutive Tests, Jackson now has the opportunity to work with both against this Boks outfit.
Marshall gave a superb all-round performance in Cape Town while Olding, who was compared to Gordon D’Arcy by Joe Schmidt last week, showed plenty of promise during a tough day at the office in Johannesburg.
Olding has had his ups and downs as well, having recovered from serious knee and elbow injuries in recent seasons. The time span between his three Test caps says everything about the injury travails the 23-year-old has had to endure: US Eagles [June 2013], Georgia [November 2014] and last weekend’s clash at Ellis Park.
For the first time in his fledgling international career, Olding will play consecutive Tests with the added bonus of his Ulster comrades on either side. So, what can Irish fans expect from this exciting new combination this afternoon?
“The left-footed option with Stu, and the fact that he can play 12 as well,” Jackson explained.
“He’s been in there a lot. His footwork is ridiculous. I had one-on-one defence with him on Tuesday and he beat me three-nil. I couldn’t stop him. We’re obviously really close friends back home so we kind of laughed it off, but deep down I just wanted to punch him I think.
“No, the footwork from Stu, and Lukey can carry for us like Stu can as well, but he’s got that extra bit of size. They’re both smart players so it makes my life a lot easier.”
Unquestionably, this triumvirate now face the biggest test of their professional lives. During what is sure to be a fast and furious encounter, that familiarity and friendship will be more vital than ever.
“Yeah, I think so,” added Jackson.
“Obviously we’ve all played together all season. Myself and Luke have got a good bit of game time together and Stuart Olding has done incredibly well coming back from those two injuries. From that point of view they’re good boys for me outside. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so we can back each other up.
“In terms of this game a lot of it will come to heart and just the physicality of it which I think we all know we can produce if we get the mental side of it right. I think it’s a good opportunity for myself, Stu and Luke.”
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