While a seven-point loss away to Rugby World Cup winners South Africa is far from a disaster, Ireland will certainly hold some regrets about their defeat to the Springboks yesterday.
Andy Farrell's side did not perform well for lengthy stretches of the game, but they still found themselves in a position to go and win it in the final quarter. However, a mixture of some defensive lapses and close refereeing calls ensured that they would not emerge victorious.
Ireland will take plenty of encouragement from this match, especially in the performances of the likes of Caelan Doris and Tadhg Beirne. Craig Casey and Jamie Osborne also played very well in what were massive occasions for them, although it was unfortunate to see Casey carted off the pitch during the second half.
They will certainly fancy their chances of pushing South Africa close again in the second and final rugby match of the series, which takes place in Durban on Saturday.
Léigh an scéal seo trí Ghaeilge ar Liathróidí.ie brúigh anseo.
READ HERE: Fans Slam South Africa Stadium Announcer For 'Disrespect' During Craig Casey Injury
Rugby: Jackman Points Out Issue That Cost Ireland Vs South Africa
If Ireland are to overcome South Africa next week, they will need to make some improvements in a few areas of the game. Bernard Jackman feels that one aspect of their defence is something that they will need to tweak ahead of that fixture.
Writing in the Irish Independent, the former Leinster and Connacht hooker said that Ireland's lack of width in their defence was something that hurt them at times in the first test against the Springboks.
Ireland defended badly at times but heroically for most of the game, which will be bittersweet for Simon Easterby, the defence coach...
South Africa seemed to shock Ireland a bit in the first half yesterday with their ability to go wide to wide...
It’s a long time since I have seen Ireland as narrow in defence as we were in that first half yesterday, and while we fixed the issue mid-game, it’s important to get it right from the start next week.
This is one area of the game where Ireland could certainly improve in next week, something that would help them close the gap on the Springboks in search of only a second ever test win on South African soil.
It should make for another fascinating rugby game.
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