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.”
Think everyone in that squad would follow Andy to Hell and back. Thanks lads for making me such a proud Irishman!!
@Michael Murray: well said proud here too
I can’t describe how incredible that was. Travelled down with a little hope but the final few min in that stadium is something I’ll never forget
@David Flynn: good on ya!! For sure an occasion to treasure!!
@David Flynn: lucky man have great nite
IRB must CHANGE THE LAW, a team should not be allowed to kick a drop goal in the last minute of a match. It discriminates against the forwards who cannot charge the ball down. It is against rugby traditions, ethos and frankly the spirit of the game.
@Stuart: ….you’re some (b)anker!!
@Stuart: jeez. Are you joking mate? I hope so
@Stuart: total BS
@Michael Murray: I think Stu has a sense of humour, unlike you.
@Kevin Dillon: plenty of sense of humour ,garsún, but who can tell the trolls from the Billy Connolly impersonators these days?
@Stuart: I get that you might be emotional and it’s a 1-1 for the tour series but , how does it “discriminate “ ? It’s been an integral part of the game since God was a child and the suspense (as a spectator ) is incredible – sometimes a team is on the winning end , sometimes they suffer the agony – it’s a skill and requires team work , composure , precision and execution which were demonstrated today by a rookie so it needs to be applauded – we’ll dine on the World Cup and game 1 but allow us to savour today
@Stuart: Agree. Scrums need to go uncontested also. It’s not fair that you guys should be allowed to blow us out of it at every scrum.
@Stuart: Stuart I can only apologise for the number of people here who have no idea what a joke is
@Michael Murray: yeah but Stuart is hardly a troll. Think he’s a very respected and knowledgeable commentator on here.
@Stuart: your kidding right
@Ray Ridge: ireland held there own in the scrum today debbie downer
@David: ….in that case, apologies.
@Stuart: Think this is that famous, totally funny all the time, really legendary South African humour that we keep getting told we don’t understand.
@Stuart: Ah listen the amount of handball incidents that were missed. And the TMO did nothing. NOTHING.
@Stuart: numpty
@Stuart:
@Stuart: gway ya messer. Kicking a drop goal is like tossing a coin, some go over some days and others don’t. Be a hero one day and a villain another. Interesting to see Frawley the hero today and the villian a few weeks ago against Toulouse
@Stuart: the amount of people taking you seriously on this thread is alarming, praying they don’t get a chance to pass down any genes
@Stuart: what spirit are you drinking, get a life
@Stuart: you must be kidding!…definitely a wind up….would you advocate a charge down of a penalty too?
@PJ Smith: lol
@Stuart: haha
@Stuart: jeez number of people that flew over the head off. Not me, though. Nothing goes over my head. My reflexes are too fast. I would catch it.
@Stuart: What a game! literally a tale of two halves but in terms of entertainment couldn’t have been better, intense crowed Stu, impressive how important rugby is their! Don’t think I’ve seen so many blood injuries in a single game in years, well done to SA, still the world champs no question, we had a little rub of the right shade of green in that second half but nothing extraordinary, with the franchises playing in the URC now this is only the beginning of a tasty series (hopefully).
@Stuart: Joel Stransky did a drop goal for South Africa to win the 1995 World Cup ya plonker. It’s only okay when S Africa do it then. What a muppet.
To think people on here still question his selection choices.
@chris mcdonnell: Farrell is making Leo look like an under 8′s coach!
@Oran Burns: to consider none of Ryan, frawley, jvfd and kelleher were starters in the champions Cup final.
@Oran Burns: harsh
Farrell is an elite level coach, what he he’s achieved is beyond belief. Today we had 6 points that should never have been given, especially the “knock on” that the TMO was trying to tell him wasn’t but he “couldn’t hear”. Also love sticking it to Rassie, always a joy to see him lose after the his behaviour during the Lions series
@Andrew Slazenger: what I love about A. Farrell. Take a look at some YouTube videos of him as a player in RL. This Irish team plays like he played. Honestly, bravery, skill. I regret the RWC qtr cause I think we didn’t perform due to the pressure on us that day but he has been an absolutely brilliant coach. Perfect fit for the mentality we need
@Andrew Slazenger: like what’s all the fuss about? Ireland won a friendly rugby match today. Everyone celebrating like they won a World Cup or something. Just like everyone celebrating like the won another World Cup when the Irish women’s football team scored a goal in last minute of their defeat to England. Very bemusing
@Michael Corkery: If you watch enough of Wigan Warriors you will see that Ireland embody the same culture. However if you pay enough attention to Wigan you will see how AF intends to develop Ireland. Matty Peet and his squad are the epitome of rugby culture. Honest, brave and most importantly extremely modest.
@WqM9AAv3: beat the back to back world champions in there backyard only second win ever in sa big deal allright
@WqM9AAv3: what’s genuinely bemusing to me is what motivates trolls to behave in the way they do? I suspect it is personal feelings of inadequacy. One day I’ll read some research and find out. Until then I’ll just keep feeling sad for them all.
James Ryan = Physicality, one of my favourite players ever. Absolute animal. That back 5 should take us into autumn and next years 6n. Genuinely found it laughable that Ulster fans were calling for Herring ahead of Kelleher, the same ones funny enough calling for Lowry ahead of Keenan and Hume ahead of Ringrose a few years ago. Really can’t stand that fanbase. Credit to Blade also, played a big part when he came on. An under appreciated 9 in Irish rugby. Delighted for him.
@Eoin H: Agree with all that.
@Eoin H: Calm down son – those calls were years ago – just enjoy the win today and bury your anti-Ulster hachette!
@Eoin H: the bit of bench time and emergence of Big Joe has lit a fire under Ryan
@Eoin H: also my fave player
@Eoin H: don’t be like that pal. Hume was on a crest and the questions were ‘wonder can he do it a test level?’ Why bring that into this conversation? Utterly pointless, helps no one other than me, who laughs aloud at you. You’re all that’s wrong with rugby fans on our island.
@Eoin H: i think we all have a leaning towards the players from our respective provinces….Herring hume and lowry are terrific players too and may be outstanding in an Irish shirt…most supporters would probably go with ringrose and keenan too.
.delighted for blade too
@Eoin H: was a few seasons ago, call was never for Lowry to start ahead of Keenand but for Lowry to get international gametime at fullback, as was playing well at FB for Ulster and there was no back up to Keenan, and hasn’t been untill this tour, (rem having to play stockdale at FB for a while for Ireland?) Hume was pushing Ringrose, and it was close at that time, Ringrose moved his game up a level since, while Hume declined, but is getting back there. But you remember it how you want to.
@Tom: he’s nearly always played like that, usually an 80 minute player, nearly always excellent, to begin with his hands weren’t “soft” enough for Ireland’s style of rugby but he’s improved massively. A key player for Leinster and Ireland. A bit of injury and bench time has refreshed him. There are a few in that team who need some time away from test rugby. For a mental refresh if nothing else.
If farrell was coaching leinster how many champions cups would they have?………and if Leo was Ireland coach…
@Bob Frazier: at least two, Ireland don’t lose at the Aviva under Farrell, neither would lose Leinster. Leinster had Toulouse in the final this year but just had no attack to score.
@Bob Frazier: I feel Farrell would have called out the obvious match fixing by Carley, and World Rugby would have been forced to look into it
He also would have played frawley instead of byrne..leinster players much better with farrell
Think Farrell has his Lions captain
@Mark Symmons: Owen?
Andy Farrell good manager
Think it’s been a massive year for both players and mgmt. Experience gained was massive. Players now know they are too of the pile but mgmt know they got it a bit wrong in WC. Playing 2 wingers with injuries can st us the ultimate but we will come out of those ashes bigger and much much better. The rest are still looking at us with furrow lines :))))
Robbed in the 1st test and we robbed them in 2nd. Fine margins brilliant skill for those drops, it needed that to get past that SA scrum. 1-1 fair
@Darren C B: think you’ll find whoever stole Dicksons contacts at half time was the real burglar ;)
Very entertaining game, crowed looked like they were having a ball, regardless of the second half chop, the scoreboard kept it entertaining. I was sure that Ireland had fluffed it when the scrum halves start slopping up box kicks to a young lad very eager to impress (okay granted you test him once, but to go back again!?), there is no question anymore about the ‘dog’ in some of the players that people banter about, that was a war, Ringrose was excellent in defence as were Henshaw and Crowley, some incredible tackles in the middle of the park, DeAlande barely made a dent, Criel tho was v good for SA, he looks like a headcase, lol, but hits everything at 110%, exciting for SA are the young 9 and 15, whippet fast. Apart from Frawleys excellent control from the boot will try to remember the speed of passing and near perfect execution though parts of the first half, overall definitely a great example of a ‘squad’ effort. Deserved breaks for all.
@Thesaltyurchin: I played years ago for a pub side. One international morning we played one of the bigger local sides. They had the county youth team 9 & 15 playing in a mixed team 1st to 3rds & youth. 9&15 cut us to bits in the first half. Half-time we got together to decide if we were going to take them out of the game or continue chasing whippets. We agreed that as it was a friendly match and they were only kids we’d chase shadows. Our “valley boys 6 and 2nd row” were disgusted but fair play stuck with the team decision.