Ireland have shocked the rugby world, by beating South Africa, 29-15. Ireland were definite underdogs going into the match, with the Springboks being the number two ranked side in the world (Ireland are fifth).
Also, Ireland had a number of players currently sidelined due to injuries, including Cian Healy, Rory Best and Sean O’Brien.
South Africa were more dominant at the scrum and at set pieces in the game, but their offensive play was substandard and the Irish were able to cut off any attacks through committed defence.
Both sides scored two tries apiece, but Ireland triumphed due to the ill-discipline of the South Africans, they conceded 15 points through penalties, while Ireland only conceded three.
It was a pretty lacklustre performance by South Africa, who are joint favourites (along with New Zealand) of lifting the World Cup next year. South Africa were the only SANZAR nation to taste defeat at the weekend actually, as both Australia (who beat Wales, 33-28) and New Zealand (who beat England, 24-21) were victorious.
It was a terrific win for Ireland. The pack put in a tremendous performance, despite the absence of world-class players like Healy and O’Brien.
Rhys Ruddock was brought in at the last moment, after Chris Henry was stuck down by illness. Ruddock was unfazed by the late call up and managed to score a try.
The young centres, Henshaw and Payne, also seemed unfazed by the big occasion, in what was undoubtedly their biggest Test to date.
They were well able to match up to the bigger, more experienced, and more talented, Springbok duo of Serfontein and De Villiers. The Irish youngsters proved themselves up to the challenge, and they may have established themselves as Ireland’s No. 1 centre combination.
It was the Irish half-backs, though, that really shined. Their tactical awareness and kicking was sublime and Jonny Sexton was masterful, putting in another man-of-the-match performance. He may well be Ireland’s best-ever No. 10!
Ireland achieved a higher score against South Africa, than either Australia or New Zealand in the recent Rugby Championship.
It was Ireland’s fifth overall victory over the Springboks out of 22 games.
All of Ireland’s victories have come on home soil. Four of the five victories have being achieved in the last 10 years. South Africa have won 16 of the matches between the countries. And there has been one draw, in 1970.
It was a perfect start to the November series for Ireland. They next face Georgia, before taking on Australia. If they can remain undefeated, they should go into next year’s Six Nations tournament as one of the favourites.
As for South Africa, they next face the very tough challenge of England and they will need to be much improved if they want to win that game.
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