It was a thrilling encounter at King's Park Stadium in Durban, as Ireland narrowly edged out South Africa 25-24, with a dramatic last-second drop goal. These are your Ireland player ratings after Andy Farrell's men ended the longest season in unforgettable style thanks to a kick on 79.59 from Ciaran Frawley.
Ireland’s 15th game of the season might just go down as one of their best. Ireland brought massive game physicality in the 1st half that seemed to surprise the Springboks by matching and even surpassing their renowned brutal style of play. This unexpected level of aggression from the Irish side seemed to unsettle the hosts, as Andy Farrell seemed to get his players up to the right mental and physical pitch to beat the World Champions.
Ireland took a commanding 10-point lead into halftime following a try from veteran scrum-half Conor Murray, who replicated his try from the last week. Despite their scrum struggles, Ireland managed to weather the South African storm in the 2nd half. As the game progressed into the final quarter, fatigue began to set in, and their earlier dominance started to wane. But the impact from their bench players was needed. And just when it seemed the momentum had shifted entirely in South Africa's favour, replacement out half Ciaran Frawley stepped up dramatically. With nerves of steel, Frawley slotted two crucial drop goals in the dying minutes of the match, sealing a memorable victory for Ireland.
SEE ALSO: "I'm Just Gonna Have A Pint!" - Frawley Ecstatic After Drop Goal Winner
Here's a look at the individual performances of the Irish team:
Ireland player ratings: Starting XV
15. Jamie Osborne – 9/10
Some 2nd test cap by the young man. Looked like a seasoned international in an outstanding performance. Comfortable under the high ball was excellent on the ball and set up Murray’s try very well.
14. Calvin Nash – 7/10
Much better game involvements this week. Chased well and made some big tackles. 6 Tackles / 6 ball carries.
13. Garry Ringrose – 7/10
Ireland looked so much more comfortable in defence with Ringrose in the team. Missed a few but he put pressure on the South African attack.
12. Robbie Henshaw – 8/10
Direct and abrasive in attack and defence from the 1st minute to the last. Great performance. 11 Tackles / 7 ball carries.
11. James Lowe – 7/10
Continued his uncanny way of getting out of tackles and offloading. Good under the high ball. Needs to clean up other parts of his game
10. Jack Crowley– 8/10
Got Ireland off to a great start with an early penalty and was excellent at getting Ireland into the right parts of the field with some smart kicking in the 1st quarter. A few kick errors that he needs to get out of his game.
9. Conor Murray – 9/10
Rolled back the years with a mature experienced performance. Controlled the pace of the game. Got in for an opening quarter and an identical try as last week's phase play.
1. Andrew Porter – 7/10
Fought hard at set piece and worked hard in the attack of defence. His defence performance was outstanding. 10 Tackles
2. Ronan Kelleher – 8/10
Came out like a man wanting to show the world that Ireland has another world-class hooker. Set the tone with a massive 1st tackle of the game. With 10 Tackles / 10 ball carries.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 6/10
He had great intensity and work-rate when he was struggling with his hamstring in the opening quarter. Struggled with the power of the South African scrum.
4. Joe McCarthy – 8/10
Brought a new level of physicality to his game with some big tackles and great ball carries. Came up with a vital turnover as South Africa looked to get in for their opening try. 7 Tackles / 6 ball carries.
5. James Ryan – 8/10
Ireland’s Lineout operates so much better with him on the pitch with his smart calls. Incredible intensity in defence. Came up with 2 incredible lineout steals in the opening of the 2nd half. 7 Tackles / 6 ball carries.
6. Tadhg Beirne – 8/10
Took a bit of time to adjust to the positional change. Slowed the South African attack with some smart counter-rucking.
7. Josh Van Der Flier – 9/10
If any of the South African National Parks need to cull their Springbok they need to call Van Der Flier. He took down every Springbok ball carrier with some incredible tackles His work rate in the opening half was outstanding 15 tackles / 4 ball carries.
8. Caelan Doris (Capt.) – 9/10
Another world-class performance by the Irish captain. Against some of the biggest names in World Rugby, he showed he is head and shoulders above what they can offer. Ireland’s top Ball Carrier with 14 ball carries.
Ireland player ratings - Replacements
16· Rob Herring – 6/10
Helped close out the game in his 15 minutes on the pitch. 3 Tackles
17. Cian Healy – 6/10
Made 2 vital clear-outs in the final minutes.
18. Finlay Bealham – 6/10
Some good defence moments.
19. Ryan Baird – 7/10
Backed up the physicality of the pack who started. Great impact off the bench.
20. Peter O’Mahony – 6/10
Tough week but finished with a smile on his face with the win. 5 Tackles
21. Caolin Blade – 6/10
Struggled with the intensity of Test match rugby. Made the pass when needed before the drop goal.
22· Ciaran Frawley – 8/10
WOW WOW WOW. Came on at out half for Crowley and kicked two incredible drop goals. It's a skill not in the Irish playbook but he nailed the 2 opportunities he got.
23· Stuart McCloskey – 7/10
20 minutes when it looked like Ireland was struggling but made some good runs to pump up those around him.
Coach– 9/10
A few selection changes and a new captain, the coaching staff got their selection spot on for this one. The lineout was much better with the selection of James Ryan. Farrell got his team to the right mental and physical pitch to take on South Africa. They nullified the “Bomb Squad” concept by forcing South Africa into early substitutes. The scrum was a struggle but ultimately they found a way to win it. Subs were made at the right time too.
SEE ALSO: Strong Start For Ireland U20s But Huge Challenge Awaits Them
