Ireland are facing a mammoth challenge in Durban on Saturday in the second Test against South Africa.
As if the task of beating the World Champions on their own turf wasn't challenging enough, Ireland will have to play the Springboks without a number of front-line players, thanks to the brutal nature of the first Test.
Firstly on that first Test in Pretoria. Playing at altitude is not like Dublin. The air is thin and your lungs burn. There’s a reason why South Africa and the Bulls win most of their games there. In order the stem the tide and get a major scalp in Loftus Versfeld, a coaching staff needs a plan unlike any other. Not only do you have to account for your team and the opposition, but the physical toll of the elements is in your thoughts.
Even in a defeat swung by two minutes of fine margins, Ireland got their plan right. In another world, Ireland gets a penalty here or there and maybe James Lowe’s acrobatics pay off, and we are discussing a very different outcome. Instead we are forced to take the positives in a loss, wondering what could have been.
As expected pre-game, and is often the case against the Springboks, this game was going to be won in the air just as much as it would be on the ground. In Faf de Klerk, Handre Pollard and Willie Le Roux, South Africa have a multi-threat kicking game. Ireland by the same token have the big boots of James Lowe and Jamie Osborne as well as the medium distance options of Jack Crowley and Craig Casey.
Crowley and Casey got the upperhand in these exchanges early on. Some might claim Ireland looked lethargic and slow in the opening half, but knowing how to manage altitude fatigue seemed at the forefront as Ireland looked to squeeze errors from South Africa through aerial bombardment.
How Ireland attacked was always going to be interesting. They have tended to struggle when teams negate their heaviest carrying forwards, while South Africa tried to exploit this. Joe McCarthy and Andrew Porter were stopped in their tracks, so the onus was on the halfbacks and outside backs to try a bit of magic.
Ultimately that is what they did. Jack Crowley mystically guided his compatriots around the pack, bringing width while playing to the line. James Lowe, who had a mixed day, provided the magic in attack with 2 assists and 1 try chalked off rather harshly. This alone feels like enough scope for Ireland to base next week off. They know they can accumulate points, despite coming up short.
INCREDIBLE TRY! 😯
Jamie Osborne goes over after an incredible offload from James Lowe! 💥 pic.twitter.com/HvrHfllNYr— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 6, 2024
To keep with the positivity, and I think Andy Farrell can be more than proud of the new guys he gave opportunities to.
Craig Casey was one of the best players in green prior to injury, of which we wish him all the best; while Jamie Osborne grew into the game as it developed. Both men would be deserving of retaining their places next week, but with potential bangs and bruises, this might not be possible.
Selecting a 23 player squad for the Durban test
Andy Farrell will have some tough decisions to make next week regarding selection with a lot of key men on the chopping block. Considering the injury toll, he is likely to retain most of the starting squad, but after a mixed bag from Ireland’s replacements, I would be in favour of a revamp. More powerful options in reserve could provide the impetus needed in the closing stages.
Ireland’s replacement front row were pulverised late on, which is sure to be the first area to be addressed. If Andrew Porter is fit, we would again expect him to play for 70+ minutes, minimising the risk of giving Tom O’Toole a chance. Oli Jager will be keen to get a chance on the other side as Finlay Bealham, like Cian Healy, also struggled.
Ryan Baird could wreak havoc in the open second half spaces, but the oomph of Nick Timoney could be more justified in what is sure to be an armwrestle in the final quarter of the game.
With Dan Sheehan sidelined, Ireland will look for an incumbent. Ronan Kelleher has been the long-term backup to Sheehan with club and country, but after a shaky evening in the lineout, Ulster’s Rob Herring might just be the better choice.
Caolin Blade is certain to replace Craig Casey in the 23. It would also be interesting to see Jimmy O’Brien given his shot at full-back, with Jamie Osborne bringing a spark and versatility from the bench.
There is still a series to be tied up, and Ireland will be chomping at the bit to try and do so.
The 23 we want to see on Saturday
1-15: Andrew Porter, Rob Herring, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony (capt), Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris. Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, James Lowe, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien
Bench: Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Oli Jager, James Ryan, Nick Timoney, Caolin Blade, Bundee Aki, Jamie Osborne
