And a nation can breathe …… what a battle. This was an incredible performance by the Ireland ruby team as they hung on like a boxer on the ropes but it was huge. Ireland rode their luck at times as South Africa’s coaches made huge mistakes with no kicker on their team.
But Ireland deserved their victory as they kept most of South Africa’s big players quiet for most the night. Ireland now take on a well-deserved rest and look forward to another battle against neighbours Scotland.
Here's a look at the individual performances of the Irish team - it's our Ireland player ratings.
READ ALSO: Irish Celebs And Sporting Royalty Converge On Paris For South Africa Game
Ireland rugby player ratings: Starting XV
15. Hugo Keenan – 8/10
Came up with some big plays in the air and showed his class all night.
14. Mack Hansen – 7/10
Was subline in the air tonight. Had a vital turnover late in the game. but won’t be happy with his defence for South Africa’s try.
13. Garry Ringrose – 8/10
Threw himself into tackles and came out the worse of a few. But was excellent for much of the game.
12. Bundee Aki – 8/10
Gave Ireland the spark they needed just when South Africa was about to twist the knife. Had some massive moments in the game.
11. James Lowe – 7/10
Won a vital penalty in the 16th minute. A massive tackle on Elizbeth in the 2nd half. Made a few errors in the aerial battle.
10. Johnny Sexton (Capt) – 9/10
Took an incredible amount of punishment. Line & place kicking was outstanding. Just lead so well with some very flat attacks and key passes opening up the South African defence.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 5/10
A poor performance as he struggled with the pressure. Charged down and missed 4 tackles.
1. Andrew Porter – 8/10
It is testament to his quality that he was still on the pitch at the 75th minute
2. Ronan Kelleher – 5/10
Tackled his heart out and had a pretty big defence performance but it just wasn’t his night at lineout time. 7 tackles
3. Tadhg Furlong – 8/10
Just a massive game from the big man. Put in some huge tackles. But destroyed in scrums in the 2nd half after South Africa brought on the power.
4. Tadhg Beirne – 8/10
A massive defence performance and slowed much of South Africa’s ball with some outstanding breakdown work in defence.
5. James Ryan – 7/10
Had some early pressure with his lineout calling was put under pressure that unsettled him.
6. Peter O’Mahony – 8/10
Was outstanding in defence and fronted up at lineout time when the lineout was struggling. Tackled all night with 11 tackles.
7. Josh Van Der Flier – 8/10
Won a vital penalty at half-time at a crucial time.
8. Caelan Doris – 8/10
Was central to much of the good work Ireland did but was left to do massive defensive duties with 13 tackles.
Ireland rugby player ratings - Replacements:
16· Dan Sheehan – 7/10
A 52nd substitution and got on to sort out the shaky lineout. Some dynamic carries too.
17· Dave Kilcoyne – 6/10
On for 4mins and involved at winning vital penalty at the end.
18· Finlay Bealham – 8/10
7 tackles in 17 minutes was excellent.
19· Ian Henderson – 7/10
Was excellent when he came on and showed his huge experience.
20· Ryan Baird– 7/10
He threw himself into the game and looked sharp around the lineout.
21· Conor Murray – 8/10
2 superb turnover wins when he came on.
22· Jack Crowley – 7/10
On for the captain to close out the game with a good penalty kick & a vital 3 points.
23· Robbie Henshaw – 7/10
Came on for Ringrose twice and led the chase
Coach– 8/10
Made the substitutes at the right time and tactically got most things right. The lineout will cause him a few sleepless nights in the next week.
