While a rugby test win over the Springboks on South African soil is always going to be a massive achievement, the dramatic manner in which Ireland secured the victory on Saturday made the outcome all the sweeter.
Andy Farrell's side produced a brilliant performance in Durban, especially in the first half. They led by ten points at the interval, a lead that was always unlikely to last once South Africa emerged for the second half.
The hosts chipped away at that deficit from the tee, eventually taking the lead. Things looked rather grim for Ireland at one point, who were down to 14 men for ten minutes after Caelan Doris was sent to the sin bin.
However, the determination Ireland showed to stay in the game was remarkable. That was especially true of Ciaran Frawley, who nailed two massive drop goals to get his team over the line.
Léigh an scéal seo trí Ghaeilge ar Liathróidí.ie brúigh anseo.
CIARAN FRAWLEY WITH A LAST-GASP WINNER 😯
Ireland have BEATEN the world champions South Africa 🤩🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/ZIQZWvv5T0— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 13, 2024
That second kick will go down as one of the best in Irish rugby history, with the Leinster star having apparently lined up the attempt quite a long way in advance.
READ HERE: Irish Fans Weren't Impressed With Cheslin Kolbe During Final Play Of South African Test
Rugby: Ciaran Frawley Sent Message To Teammates Ahead Of Drop Goal
Ireland gave themselves a chance to win the game by finding touch in South African territory with a penalty in the final couple of minutes of the game, but there was still a huge amount to do if they were to pull off the victory.
Not only would they have to claim their own line-out (not a given considering their struggles in that area), but they also had a bit of work ahead in order to get themselves in position to take a drop at goal.
Still, Ciaran Frawley was confident that they would get the job done.
In a clip that has surfaced of the play that led to his winning drop goal, he is seen telling his teammates how he wants to be set up in order to get that match-winning shot at goal. You can see the moment in question from 2:10 in the video below.
He seems to be saying:
Few passes, then dropper.
It certainly went to plan.
While having the idea to take that kick on is one thing, executing it to perfection under that type of pressure in a top level rugby game is an altogether different matter.
Thankfully for Ireland fans, Frawley did it to perfection on this occasion.
SEE ALSO: South Africa Fans Make Bizarre Complaint About Ciaran Frawley's Winning Drop Goal
