Ireland’s 38-3 win over South Africa on the weekend was their best ever against the Springboks, eclipsing the 2006 scoreline of 32-15.
South Africa finished the Rugby Championship with a close loss to New Zealand and were hoping to build on this for their November series, but were completely outclassed.
The Irish scored four tries, through Andrew Conway, Rhys Ruddock, Rob Herring and Jason Stockdale, as well as kicking four penalties and three conversions.
The Springboks sole points came from a penalty, ten minutes into the second half.
It was a nightmare start for the tourists, as prop Coenie Oosthuizen left the field in the first minute after being hit in a double tackle by Jonny Sexton and debutant Bundee Aki.
Oosthuizen is one of the leaders in the side and his absence was keenly felt, as the Boks pack were completely overwhelmed by the Irish, conceding a number of penalties.
The Springbok backs were also outclassed, lacking vision and execution in defence and attack.
Conway’s maiden Test try, approaching the half an hour mark, came after a neat up and under by Irish scrum-half Conor Murray completely caught out the opposition. Conway pounced on the loose ball and ran in, untouched, from 20 metres.
Soon, South Africa had a chance to chip away at Ireland’s lead after they were awarded a penalty, but they chose to run it and were kept out by the dogged defence of Ireland’s backrow, especially CJ Stander, who was the best South African-born player on the pitch.
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The first half finished at 14-0 and South Africa claimed the first points of the second stanza, through a penalty by Elton Janjiies. It was only in the last quarter of the match that Ireland started to run away with the result.
Firstly, replacement flanker Ruddock ran in from five metres out. Then hooker Herring, another replacement, touched down from a line out.
Finally Stockdale, finishing off the move of the game, ran in his first try for his country. Replacemnent out-half Joey Carbery was only on for five minutes but managed to kick two conversions.
While it was a team effort, several Irish players deserve a mention for their performance.
Rob Kearney made a welcome return to international rugby at fullback – his dependency under the high ball was something South Africa sorely lacked. Both wingers, who only have five caps between them, thorougly deserved their first tries.
Aki had been the focus of criticism during the week, with many objecting to his inclusion (due to his qualifying under the three-year residency rule) but he put in a committed performance. Robbie Henshaw had some great touches and the halves controlled the day, with Sexton the deserved man of the match and Murray constantly chipping away at the South African line.
The home pack thoroughly dominated their counterparts (not many forwards have been able to say that over the years, though admittedly more in recent times). Tadhg Furlong showed why his opposite number, Tendai Mtawarira, thinks he is the best tighthead in the world at the moment.
It was a great performance by Ireland and it can be built on.
The defeat was another in a long list of records Allistair Coetzee will not have wanted to break. Under his tenure, South Africa have conceded their first home loss to Argentina, record losses to Wales and Ireland, their biggest ever defeat (to New Zeaaland) and first ever loss to Italy.
A 3-0 series whitewash of France and that close loss to the All Blacks were bright spots, but it’s mainly been poor.
Coetzee had come under review by the SARFU earlier in the year after a string of poor results. He managed to retain his job but the writing looks to be on the wall now.
Former Munster coach Rassie Erasmus is heading back to South Africa to take the job of director of rugby and will be Coetzee’s superior.
Of course, getting rid of the coach is akin to rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic. South Africa’s problems run deep, mainly due to the quota system and many of their best players plying their trade in Europe.
While South Africa looks likely to host the 2023 World Cup, it will be the only thing for rugby fans in the country to cheer for in quite a while.
Cathal
Guest
Late reply, the reason it wasn’t a penalty is because the Irish 23 wasn’t actually tackled so because of this he is entitled to do what he did.
Cathal
Guest
Even later to reply but the reason 23 wasn't penalised is if you look at the footage he clearly wasn't tackle he is grabbed and because of this he doesn't have to release the ball, being pulled down doesn't count as a tackle.
gumboot
Guest
Noted. Well spotted, I noticed that as well. The Irish were the best team on the paddock for sure but the score wasn't a true reflection of the game.
Mckenzie
Guest
Probably too late for anyone to read this but the Springboks were hardly helped by the inept display by the referee and touch judges. The Irish right winger (23) take the ball up and is tackled near the 22 line with 79 minutes and 57 seconds on the clock. Not only does he roll over and progress whilst on the ground, he then refuses to release the ball from the Springbok defenders contesting the tackle. Penalty should have been awarded. Then the ball is fed to the left and the last pass is clearly forward even allowing for momentum. A try is awarded which is converted and the score blows out by another seven points. The Irish clearly deserved to win but the final score flattered the home team. What the hell is going on with the officialdom controlling theses matches? And No, I am not a South African so there is no bias in my comments.
Taylorman
Guest
Dagg was the best player on the field in the semi, was the nail for Oz in that match.
Taylorman
Guest
Yes hes definitely the sort to put in in SAs current state...change and accountability would happen immediately Ive no doubt about that.
Colm
Roar Guru
Dagg was only 23 at that world cup and had only been playing international rugby for one year, but I get your point. To be honest, I would be ok with Kearney's selection if he was reliable in defense. The reality is though, that Kearney makes really bad decisions in defense, and no longer has the pace to make up for it. I don't mind missed one-on-one tackles, but spacing and reading the game is a real issue for Kearney. An example of this was the TJ Perenara try in Chicago last year. There was absolutely no need for Kearney to step in, it was obvious that Coles was going to offload. Ben Smith's try in that game also came from Kearney stepping in when there was no need.
HenryHoneyBalls
Guest
I disagree. Fullback is a key position and all the last 4 or 5 RWC winners have selected very experienced players there. Ireland need a man of his experience at the RWC. He may not do anything flashy but his positioning, reliability and experience will be an asset in the bigger games. 1999 Matt Burke 2003 Josh Lewsey 2007 Percy Montgomery 2011 Israel Dagg 2015 Ben Smith I'm not suggesting Kearney is as good as any or all of the above but they were all really experienced players at the time of the final and in key positions this is really important IMO.
sean
Guest
"Luckily" we South African Rugby fans have Toetie at the helm,as per usual he's the only nutter on this planet that will see or find something positive in this result.
Buk
Guest
Thanks for the article Declan. I have some Irish heritage, so enjoy an Ireland win, and a great day for Irish rugby, but tempered by the fact that SA are not the force of the past because of politics.
Bakkies
Guest
Strongly worded article from Gordon D'arcy who mentioned that Coetzee approached the match warm up like a dead man walking https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-the-real-project-players-should-be-those-developed-by-the-irfu-1.3291823
Harry Jones
Expert
Well, I am not even sure we would be boycotting the Boks. I don't recognise these mild, no-card, sweet, gentle, docile Boklings as real Springboks.
DavSA
Guest
Would the SARU executives fly economy? Crash Test Dummies answers that ....MMMH...MMMH..MMMHH
Ben
Guest
Word is that the Boks flew economy class from SA, looks like SARU is more concerned with saving a buck than winning
DavSA
Guest
Harry I share your frustration. But the only way forward Boet is to cut the cash. A blanket boycott of the rest of the tour and this I am afraid will mean turning off the TV set and us not watching our beloved Boks then it is a small price to pay.Us rugby supporters have been benign for too long.
Harry Jones
Expert
The ANC and their supporters have made a choice--fateful--prizing racial revenge and envy of success, over slow, hard, just, and sustainable pluralistic excellence. And this is just one small example of the result. I'll give you another micro example. Huw Jones is a really good centre for the Stormers. Really good. Plays positions the Boks need. He's capped for Scotland now. But he would have been a Saffa and a Bok if SA was open to talent from abroad. Think of the talent the UK or Australia attracts because they are liberal democracies adhering to the rule of law. But instead, SA tells the world's talent: only come live here and play here if you are the right colour...
John Mitchell would only be an asset if he is given free reign, to select on merit and not pay heed to political pressures. He will never get free reign.
Kane
Guest
John Mitchell is the answer
Cuw
Guest
Kolisi will not make it if the quota system is removed. Flow Thor and Whitely will be a better 3rd row. even a guy like Michael Rhodes who has not played test rugger is better than Kolisi as a pure 6. also Coetzee but he has a long injury. only the 2nd rowers in SA - EE, LDJ, PSDT are arguably better than those abroad , but even then there are quite a few guys in NH who may challenge that. Marx looks good but i will still go with BDP. and not forgetting BRITTS :)
DavSA
Guest
"especially CJ Stander who was the best South African-born player on the pitch" .......enuff said. SA supporters I believe have finally had enough. We do not see this as much more than the wrongdoings of a few people who have hijacked the game here. Without exception every person I have spoken to will not be watching the France game , myself included . Time to express ourselves in ways that SARU will understand. But same time I will not try and take away the glory that Ireland deserves.They looked very complete and are going to be a threat to any side in the world for years to come.