How in the name of hell did Ireland defeat South Africa after being reduced to 14 men for over an hour of sapping, soul-draining play?
Ireland have defeated South Africa for the first time ever in the southern hemisphere. Joe Schmidt’s men did it with 14-men from the 21st minute on after CJ Stander was red-carded for an airborne hit on Pat Lambie.
For 10 minutes, they were 13 as Robbie Henshaw seethed in the sin bin. And yet they got into the changing rooms at 13-13 and took the fight to the Springboks after the break.
Conor Murray’s try and Paddy Jackson’s nerveless penalties got them 26-20 ahead on the scoreboard yet another mighty defensive effort was needed. At the death, Henshaw, Jackson and Jared Payne were there to bundle JP Pietersen over the line to clinch one of Ireland’s greatest ever wins.
Here’s how we rated the men in green.
Jared Payne – 9
One of his finest games in the green jersey. An attacking threat all afternoon. Finished off Luke Marshall’s grubber for a great opener and his offload to Andrew Trimble created the chaos needed for Conor Murray to get over. Long may he reign here.
Andrew Trimble – 9
A defensive masterclass and a counter-attacking joy. Poured himself into countless tackles and was somehow able to suck it up and make big carries.
Robbie Henshaw – 7
Unfortunate to be yellow carded for a high tackle that was simply a committed one. Was needed in defence all afternoon but put his hand up for carries when Ireland broke out.
Luke Marshall – 8
Great thinking to rubber through for Payne’s try. Obstructed for the Mvovo try but that’s Test rugby. Completely at home in the Test arena and stood up to the physical challenge.
Keith Earls – 8
Fantastic. Heart and determination personified. His defence comes in for much criticism but he made every big tackle he needed to… bar that desperate ankle-tap on Mvovo. Serious engine.
Paddy Jackson – 8
Cometh the hour, cometh Jackson… until that bloody intercepted pass.
He kicked off the tee superbly and made a number of vital tackles around the fringes. Crucial drop goal levelled matters just before the break. Missed a lengthy penalty midway through the second half but made amends with a beauty after 67 minutes. After his intercepted pass, he landed another.
Conor Murray – 9
Another great outing from a truly world-class player. Never easy, especially with a depleted pack getting shunted in the scrum. Craft and awareness were key and his second-half try was just what his side needed.
Jack McGrath – 8
Someone go check on McGrath as he could still be out there making tackles. Held up his side of the scrum and put his hand up for carry after carry.
Rory Best – 8
His throwing was on point and he left a piece of his soul out on that Newlands pitch. Had to soak up some scrum punishment but harassed the Boks on the deck.
Mike Ross – 7
60 minutes of pure toil from Ross. 36-years-old and targeted all game, he rarely faltered. ‘The Beast’ troubled him in the scrum but he picked it up after the break.
Devin Toner – 8
Lineout steals and big tackles when we needed it most. Solid on our setpieces and tackled feverishly. Brilliant stuff from Big Dev so soon after the loss of his father.
Iain Henderson – 9
This guy was huge. Huge. HUGE. So many turnovers and tackles that let South Africa know they were in a game. Big carries to relieve pressure too.
CJ Stander – 4
Great start and horrible finish, after 21 minutes. Harsh call but it was reckless and that ‘duty of care’ phrase was brought out. We’ll wait to see if he gets a ban.
Jordi Murphy – 9
This was Murphy’s greatest moment in the Irish jersey. He finest the season on a high and soared here. Serious gas to go all day and chase down kicks, drag men down and show up constantly in attack.
Jamie Heaslip – 8
Keeps impressing us after a turnaround in fortunes from that defeat in Twickenham. Soaked up big kicks only to hit back even harder. Fought for everything from start to finish.
Replacements
To follow…
