Jonathan Sexton made an impressive debut for Ireland

Declan Kidney has admitted it will be a difficult choice between Ronan O'Gara and Jonathan Sexton for the fly-half spot against South Africa next week.

Sexton contributed 16 points on his debut by landing five conversions and two penalties against Fiji on Saturday.

"Jonathan showed great maturity but I'm not surprised as last year, when things were not going so well for him, he stuck at it," said the Ireland coach.

Denis Leamy could miss the clash with the Springboks because of injury.

The Munster back-row forward was carried off with an ankle injury but on Sunday Irish management reported the injury was not as bad as first feared.

Ireland have added nine players to their squad ahead of the South Africa match - Tommy Bowe, Darren Cave, Gavin Duffy, Cian Healy, Kevin McLaughlin, Ronan O'Gara, Devin Toner, Dan Touhy and David Wallace.

Meanwhile Sexton said he was understandably pleased with his debut.

"I'm very happy, but there are always things to work on," he said.

The days of cricket scores in these sorts of matches are behind us Brian O'Driscoll

"Obviously everyone in the squad wants to start but they are not decisions I am here to make," added the Leinster player.

Skipper Brian O'Driscoll, one of Ireland's try-scorers, reflected that the victory was not as easy as the final scoreline suggested.

"One thing I have learned is that you have to grind down sides and that took us 60 or 70 minutes," he said.

"The days of cricket scores in these sorts of matches are behind us."

Fiji coach Glen Ella was full of praise for Sexton, stressing that he was "impressed by Ireland's number 10".

"He has a bright future for many years to come.

"We actually played much better than 41-6. 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."

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