Ireland coach Declan Kidney urges young guns to step up against South Africa "I remember a few years ago there were six guys who all got their first caps together and they all put their hands up and showed they wanted to keep the jerseys," recalls Kindey of a breakthrough Ireland win over Scotland in 2000. This is the latest opportunity for a few players to do that. It is certainly time for Keith Earls, an outstanding natural talent, to start producing the all-round game at centre that should make O'Driscoll's departure when it comes slightly less traumatic than expected. Simon Zebo could have a great Test career ahead of him, although probably on the wing and not full-back, where he is deputising for Kearney. In the back row, flankers Peter O'Mahony and Chris Henry have different, but no less valuable, skill sets to the immense physicality of O'Brien and Ferris. The former pair now have opportunity to demonstrate to Kidney that a viable plan B does exist. Likewise Jamie Heaslip as captain. O'Driscoll has captained Ireland in 83 Tests since 2002. but necessity led to the Leinster No8"s promotion to the role this week. Jonathan Sexton, who was also considered for the position, backed his team-mate to fulfill his new responsibilities. For him to talk to me was an honour. Jame deserves it, he's an outstanding professional," Sexton said, while urging the younger members of the team to seize the opportunity. We have to believe we're good enough. It's time now to step up and start building reputations. Ireland: S Zebo (Munster); T Bowe (Ulster), K Earls (Munster), G D'Arcy (Leinster), A Trimble (Ulster); J Sexton (Leinster), C Murray (Munster); C Healy (Leinster), R Strauss (Leinster), M Ross (Leinster), D Ryan (Munster), M McCarthy (Connacht), P O'Mahony (Munster), C Henry (Ulster), J Heaslip (Leinster, capt). Replacements: S Cronin (Leinster), D Kilcoyne (Munster), M Bent (Leinster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), I Henderson (Ulster), E Reddan (Leinster), R O'Gara (Munster), F McFadden (Leinster) South Africa: Z Kirchner (Bulls); JP Pietersen (Sharks), J Taute (Lions), J de Villiers (Stormers, capt), F Hougaard (Bulls); P Lambie (Sharks); R Pienaar (Ulster); T Mtawarira (Sharks) A Strauss (Cheetahs), J du Plessis (Sharks), E Etzebeth (Stormers), J Kruger (Bulls), F Louw (Bath), W Alberts (Sharks), D Vermeulen (Stormers) Replacements: S Brits (Saracens) CJ van der Linde (Lions), P Cilliers (Lions) F van der Merwe (Bulls), M Coetzee (Sharks), M Steyn (Bulls) J de Jongh (Stormers), L Mvovo (Sharks) Referee: W Barnes (England) Assistant referees: Steve Walsh (Australia), Luke Pierce (England). TMO: Giulio De Santis (Italy)