Two Ireland stars top player ratings as South Africa handed record beating

IRELAND 38-3 SOUTH AFRICA

There is a new world order and Ireland are right up near the top.

Ireland annihilated South Africa at the Aviva Stadium with a four-try display and another masterclass from outhalf Johnny Sexton.

Andrew Conway got a first half score while it was not until the last 10 minutes – and scores from Rhys Ruddock, Rob Herring and Jacob Stockdale – that Ireland piled up a record beating against the Springboks.

Here’s how we rated Joe Schmidt’s men in green:

Rob Kearney – 7

So calm and collected under the high ball bombs. Needed Henshaw to get him out of jail in the first half when he was caught out by the bounce of a ball. That left boot of is could take out the moon if the wind was right.

Andrew Conway – 9

Had one hell of an impact. Brave and committed under the high ball and snatched the first try-scoring chance that came his way. Great burst off a Sexton wraparound moments before that. Almost got over for his second before Ruddock’s try. Set up Stockdale’s try at the death.

Conway! Ireland are dominant – they lead South Africa 14-0 with 26 minutes gone https://t.co/WrXtBRolgi #IREvRSA #RTErugby pic.twitter.com/bqm77EWqrY

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 11, 2017

Robbie Henshaw – 8

A superb outing from Henshaw. Was solid going forward in that 13 jersey and hammered a few South Africans in defence. Mopped up one Kearney error and chased down his own clearing kick to force an attacking lineout for his team.

Bundee Aki – 8

Wanted to make an early impact and he certainly did, on Coenie Oosthuizen, but we’re sure he did not enjoy the sight of the Boks prop being carted off after only a minute. Nice scrag on Jesse Kriel forced a turnover [via lineout]. Top tackler for Ireland [16] on a fine debut night.

Jacob Stockdale – 8

Was the go-to man in the early exchanges and carried with intent, making ground each time. Missed a couple of tackles in close proximity, on Coetzee, but roused the crowd with a turnover-winning thumper on Leyds. Took a beautiful line and found Conway in the lead-up to Ruddock’s try and cruised home with a [home debut] try to clinch it.

Johnny Sexton – 8

We got to see the works from Sexton tonight – hurtling high balls, wraparounds, wiper kicks, putting men through gaps, fake wraparounds and some fine goal-kicking. One hell of a pass to set Stockdale free before Ireland’s second try was scored.

Conor Murray – 7.5

Passing is as crisp now as it was before his neck and shoulder injury earlier this year. Tackled with gusto and always gave his teammates a fighting chance on the kick-chase. Helped Aki out on that Kriel turnover.

Cian Healy – 8

Welcome back to the top table, Mr Healy. Part of an Ireland scrum that shunted the Springboks around for fun when both sides had their starting packs on.

Rory Best – 8

Does not do much carrying – he just does everything else. Stood up to some huge South African ball carriers and took them all down. Made two big turnovers in the second half before Rob Herring came on for the last 15 minutes.

Tadhg Furlong – 8

Reaffirmed his status as a truly world-class tight-head and showed up well in the loose too. Tackled like a demon.

Iain Henderson – 9

That’s more bloody like it Iain! We noted, before the match, that this was a big chance for Henderson to make a statement. That he certainly did with a few huge carries and barges of opposition locks Lood de Jagr and Eben Etzebeth.

Devin Toner – 8

Did well to claim an early up-and-under and was part of a brutish, determined Ireland pack. Some lovely, clean lineout takes and distribution. Almost, almost had himself a intercept and a 40-metre gallop for the tryline but could not hold on.

Peter O’Mahony – 6

In the wars from early doors. Had a decent game but was hampered by a couple of knocks sustained in the first half. Did well to hang onto the ankle of Etzebeth after being bounced in the initial contact. Went off after 50 minutes.

Sean O’Brien – 7

Strange game from O’Brien. Lacked that real pop to his game and made very little carries but was decent at the breakdown and tackled heartily. Lacking a huge amount of game time this season but will hopefully be the better for this encounter for the games ahead.

CJ Stander – 8.5

He was ON tonight! Delivered a big performance against the country of his birth. Good carries off the back of the scrum and was a constant source of front-foot ball. Drove Pieter Steph du Toit back a few metres in one thudding collision and won a vital turnover at the tail-end of the first half.

This Irish back row has the makings of something special, even with Ruddock slotting in. And there’s still Leavy, van der Flier, O’Donnell, Conan and Murphy in reserve.

Lord above!

Replacements

Rhys Ruddock [for O’Mahony ’50] – 7

Won an important turnover not long after entering the fray but was then penalised at the breakdown minutes later. Powered over for Ireland’s second try.

Dave Kilcoyne [for Healy ’66] – 6

Rob Herring [for Best ’66] – 7

Boshed over for a late try.

John Ryan [for Furlong ’70] – 6

James Ryan [for Henderson ’70] – 6

Couple of strong carries.

Kieran Marmion [for Murray ’70] – 6

Busy. Set up Ruddock’s score.

Darren Sweetnam [for Rob Kearney ’73] – 6

Almost had a try on debut but kept the all alive and it eventually led to Stockdale’s try.

Joey Carbery [for Johnny Sexton ’75] – 6

On late but lamped over a couple of nice conversions.

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