After last week's deflating defeat in Cardiff, Ronan O'Gara questioned Rory Best's leadership somewhat, regarding the frequency of Ireland's kicking into the corner:
I think it's not the lineout that's the problem, I think that it's the decision before that. The lads [Jackson and Sexton] have kicked eighteen penalties in a row between them.
For me, if that's an O'Driscoll or an O'Connell, he doesn't even give the kicker an option. He doesn't even ask, he just goes...do it. There'll be times away from home, at 5-3, and the boys are looking at me, asking 'ROG, do you fancy it?' I'd only love to kick to the corner to get out of it!
But there's times when you're away from home, you have to build a score.
But what a difference a week makes. Ireland have beaten England 13-9 at the Aviva, and Best's leadership was clear for all to see in a fine Irish victory.
Johnny Sexton was constantly targeted by English players, and as a result found himself on the end of some late tackles. Following late hits by Mauro Itoje and James Haskell in the first half, Sexton was nailed once again on the hour mark. Referee Jerome Garces awarded Ireland a penalty a moment later - for an Itoje offside, rather than the hit on Sexton - and Best decided to have a word with Garces.
Best told Garces that "our 10 is constantly being targeted", before being sent away by the French referee, saying that there enough officials to ref the match. Best acknowledged, but said 'I have a responsibility to my team". Best went back a moment later to Garces to add "I'll get in the neck from Joe if I don't ask".
Watch it below:
Rory Best Jerome Garces
Best was roundly praised for his captaincy, with Shane Horgan leading the chorus in the RTE studio.
For those people who said Rory Best should be dropped and replaced as captain ...start eating humble pie!!!
— Stephen Watson (@winkerwatson1) March 18, 2017
He's led the Irish to wins against New Zealand and England juggernauts! @RoryBest2 simply has to in contention to lead the @lionsofficial
— Stephen Blevins (@stephenblevins9) March 18, 2017
Well said #rorybest cynical late tackles on sexton #IREvENG
— Gareth Kinsella (@GarethKinsella2) March 18, 2017
