IRELAND BOSS ANDY Farrell hailed the character of his team after their last-gasp win over the Springboks in Durban to tie the series in South Africa.
Ciarán Frawley’s 42-metre drop goal won the second Test for Ireland with the last kick of the game.
Farrell was proud of a sensational first-half effort in which Ireland’s physicality and precision left them 16-6 ahead.
There were anxious moments in the second half as the Springboks edged in front but Ireland held their nerve and two late drop goals from Frawley earned them just a second-ever Irish win on South African soil.
“It was the sublime to the ridiculous, wasn’t it?’ said Farrell. “It was a complete role reversal of last week. First-half performance not too great last week; this week, I thought it was outstanding, as good as it gets.
“But second half last week was good, this week we’ve made enough mistakes to lose three games in that second half. But you just know when you’re hanging in there that there’s always going to be a chance with this team because of the guts, the bravery they’ve got and they showed that in spades.”
Farrell sent Frawley on at out-half for Jack Crowley with a quarter of the game left and his faith in the Skerries man was repaid in bucketloads as Frawley fired over two drop goals.
The Ireland boss was delighted with Frawley’s composure in the endgame.
“Well, let’s go through it,” said Farrell. “He kicked a ball out on the full on a crossfield kick.
“To get his composure back, and then we delivered the play. Stu McCloskey does unbelievably well to take the space and roll the ball in there and tackle someone into touch is great play – to put pressure where it needed to be at the end of a Test match like that.
“But you still need guts. He had the guts in the first place to do the first drop goal and I thought it was immense how he had the courage to take it early, so fair play to him.”
It’s a beautiful way for Ireland to end a long season that began with disappointment as they lost to New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Farrell’s men have bounced back superbly to win the Six Nations and draw their series away to the Springboks.
“As far as drama and the pressure we put on ourselves to perform, it’s right up there because they’re a wonderful team, a magnificent team,” said Farrell.
“Last week was difficult for us, we said it as it was – we weren’t happy. We had to come out and perform when you have those conversations where you’re talking about character.
“So, for that to come through… it certainly wasn’t perfect, it was ridiculous at times. First half was brilliant but the second was ridiculous for all sorts of reasons. The character we showed, that’s what sport’s about really.”
The Springboks remain the number-one ranked side in the world but when Farrell was asked about that by a South African journalist, he shook his head.
“I actually don’t care,” said Farrell. “Two good sides, you wouldn’t want to separate them. It is what it is, you can add three or four more countries into that. I actually think world rugby’s in a good spot, because of that competition.”
A third Test against the Boks would be fun but Farrell and his players have earned a breather.
“We’ve a function now, I’m looking forward to that because you guys keep saying it’s been a 13-month season but you wouldn’t think it, would you?” said Farrell.
“Even if we’d lost today, there’d have been no excuses. When you play for Ireland, they’re all proper Test matches, there’s no excuses.
“We’ll enjoy a beer with South Africa because the tussles have been immense.”
For all the bluster from Murphy, Wilkins was right in saying Murphy didn’t put his best hand forward against Bulls, and had this match in mind. Definitely a stronger Ulster line up. Some interesting choices for Connacht – Carty had a good first half last week, but faded out before being subbed last week. Think he still offers a lot, but probably Forde is the better bench option. Aki/POC midfield hasn’t been tried before, so I’m curious to see how that goes. Josh Murphy mostly played at lock two seasons ago, so probably makes sense for him to return there, albeit I do think back row is his more natural position. Still, should be a good match. Ulster will be desperate for a win at home, and have picked a really strong side, so they’ll be a very stern test. Match of the weekend
@JoeVlogs: match of the weekend? 82.5k people beg to differ!!!
@Kevin: As in this match could go either way, and the recent history of the tie is that usually the home side win it, but only just. Looking at the Leinster v Munster sides, despite Leo insisting on selecting two tens on the bench, it is still Leinster’s to lose. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still want to attend it if I was in Dublin – Croke Park, world cup winners, internationals, etc. But as a contest goes, I expect a tighter, more exciting game from the later match.
@Kevin: well in fairness this game should be close and competitive. The other game has a strong likelihood of Leinster running out big winners. Hopefully not and it’s competitive too
@JoeVlogs: that’s fair enough alright. The game should be a cracker too.
@JoeVlogs: yeah Josh is an absolutely savage 6
Thought Cordero was very poor at full back against the Scarlets! For me he looks like an out and out winger! I’m surprised Mack isn’t the one being tried there as his style would be more suited, we could do with more options there internationally too! Interested to see how Paul Boyle goes, at times he looks like the best ball carrier in Ireland. but has rarely been picked to start in the past 2 years right when he was banging on the Irish door!
@Attacki Acki: Agree, I’d nearly put O Connor on the wing and Hansen to full back with Forde in midfield. Send Cordero packing. Boyle was unfortunate with injuries, but on his day he’s probably strongest ball carrying backrow on the island.
@Ray Ridge: not even the best 8 on the pitch Saturday. Timoney will outplay him in every facet. As for the best 8 the future lions captain is that
Hard place to go, would never bet against Ulster at Ravenhill. Connacht have only won twice (not double checked that) in the last 10 years. Team looks decent tho, may be the best shot they’ve had in a while.
@Thesaltyurchin: Three times including the Rainbow Cup. Not just 10 years though. It’s about 75.
How Cordero continues to be selected is beyond me, considering he hasn’t completed a tackle in the opening 3 games of the season. Not even offering a whole lot in an attacking sense either to make up for it. Hopefully he will manage to catch the ball this weekend without dropping it and nail a few tackles. Not much between the sides otherwise, maybe home advantage will be the difference.
@Ray Ridge: I would genuinely love it if he had a stormer tomorrow for no reason other than for you to be shown up for the clown that you are.
@Patrick Kennedy: I’d love it too, but he’ll have to improve quite a bit on the evidence of the first 3 games.
@Ray Ridge: he missed a whole season through injury. give the lad a break.
@Niall English: Ah Stop, a professional Rugby player out for a few months is no excuse for not being able to catch the ball and make a simple tackle. He’s being back long enough now. I’m expecting a much improved performance from this guy otherwise……. See more
@Ray Ridge: A few months? He played one game last season after doing his ACL. Ignorance on show again, well done
@Patrick Kennedy: yes he was out for a few months, besides you don’t catch the ball with your ACL. He’s had a long pre-season and 3 URC games. Long enough to be able catch a ball and make a tackle. The time for excuses is over.
@Ray Ridge: So August to June is “a few months”? Last time I checked it was 11 months.
@Patrick Kennedy: End of August to middle of May is around 9 months.
@Ray Ridge: Did his ACL during preseason at the beginning of August, played his first game the end of May. But don’t let facts get in the way of your nonsense.
@Patrick Kennedy: The 22nd of August is not the beginning of August and the 18th of May is not the end of May. Besides that’s not the point. The point is he should still be able to catch the ball. I haven’t been on a bicycle for about 20 years but I can still bloody cycle.
Another mouth watering game to look forward to