It was a hell of a test match as Ireland went into the lion’s den of the World Champions South Africa in the high altitude of Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Ireland hung on in the fight as they refused to roll over and midway through the 2nd half they looked like the better team but in reality, the attack struggled with the South African defence. The resilience they showed in the 2nd half was staggering and it was unfortunate to see what looked like a good James Lowe try chalked off by referee Pearce.
Here's a look at the individual performances of the Irish team, via our Ireland player ratings.
Ireland rugby player ratings: Starting XV
15. Jamie Osborne – 8/10
Great try-scoring debut by the young Naas man. Passed every high ball test of the South African kicking game. Ireland now has a real 2nd option at fullback. The only downside was his tackle attempt for the South African 1st try.
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
14. Calvin Nash – 5/10
The game just drifted him by. Struggled in defence when South Africa went into their wide attack and under the high ball
13. Robbie Henshaw – 6/10
Worked hard in defence in the 1st period with some good tackles but got a tackle wrong on Kolisi in the 1st half and went off at halftime.
12. Bundee Aki – 5/10
Carried his poor club form into the Irish jersey. His direct and abrasive ball-carrying of old was not where it was earlier in the season.
11. James Lowe – 5/10
He might not do the defence part of the game but when he’s on the ball he is incredible. Unlucky not to score in the 2nd half (his finish was incredible too!!). Incredible skill to stay infield for the Osborne try. But….. some really poor moments in defence and I won’t want to see the 2nd South African try again or the restart that led to South Africa’s 3rd try.
10. Jack Crowley– 5/10
Blew hot & cold but ultimately struggled to pull the strings in Ireland’s attack. Got Ireland on the scoreboard with a neat penalty in the 12th minute. Put in some good contestable kicks. Poor penalty miss in the 31st minute.
9. Craig Casey – 8/10
One of the real heroes of this performance as he stepped up and showed he is a big game player while having to deal with the mess of the breakdown. Great 50/22 kick in the 62nd minute. Came off after a nasty knock to the head.
1. Andrew Porter – 6/10
Yet another big performance by the loosehead. Got through a lot of breakdown work with some massive clear-outs. A few Stupid penalties that he needs to cut out of his game.
2. Dan Sheehan – 6/10
Started the game with some big tackles and clear-outs. Had an uncharacteristic throw error. Heavily involved with a great pass to Lowe before Osborne's try. Came off injured at half- time leading the Ball Carry charts. With 5 Tackles / 8 ball carries.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 6/10
Another hard-working performance as he stayed alive in the scrums and worked hard in defence. 9 Tackles / 5 ball carries.
4. Joe McCarthy – 6/10
Throw himself around the pitch in true McCarthy fashion but he has got to learn to play the referees better as it looks like they have his card marked. Tired in the 2nd half. 7 Tackles / 6 ball carries.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 8/10
Took the fight to the big South Africa pack. His work rate in defence and around the tackle area was very good. Repeatedly slowed the South African attack with some very smart work around the tackle area. Called the lineout options well. - 13 Tackles / 8 ball carries.
6. Peter O’Mahony (Capt) – 5/10
Tough game for the captain. Lacked the impact that was needed at this level. Poor pass to McCarthy when Ireland looked odds on to score in the 7th minute. Got through a lot of defence work 9 Tackles / 2 ball carries.
7. Josh Van Der Flier – 7/10
Worked his little red scrum cap off. A superb turnover in the 52nd minute kept Ireland in the game. 12 tackles / 5 ball carries.
8. Caelan Doris – 9/10
A huge performance. Came up with a massive steal in the first half as South Africa looked to stretch their lead. Rolled his sleeves up and got down & dirty with the Springbok back row and showed he was world-class. Ireland’s top tackler with 16 tackles / 10 ball carries.
Ireland rugby player ratings: replacements:
16. Ronan Kelleher – 7/10
Good impact off the bench. Great attack line for his linebreak to put Conor Murray over for a try. Took a team yellow card in the final minutes.
17. Cian Healy – 4/10
Come on for Porter twice in the 2nd half. Struggled for a massive South African scrum penalty try
18. Finlay Bealham – 5/10
18 minutes – worked hard but no real impact.
19. James Ryan – 7/10
Really looked to show the coaches that he wants to start next week. Smashed into tackles and rucks and had a huge physical impact against physical opposition. 5 tackles / 5 ball carries.
20. Ryan Baird– 7/10
Put his hand up for next week’s selection with some big moments. Got over for an excellent last-minute try.
21. Conor Murray – 6/10
Finished a brilliant Irish try after a great line break by Kelleher. Hungry for work when he came on but Ireland’s game slowed dramatically when he came on. Looked panicked on the ball.
22. Ciaran Frawley – 4/10
After 50 minutes for Osborne Ireland’s backfield looked at sea with him there. Lucky that one of his tackles wasn't looked at by the TMO
23· Garry Ringrose – 7/10
Came on in the 2nd half and was forced into defence work. Ireland’s midfield looked much better with him there. – 7 Tackles
Coach– 6/10
Got to hand it to Farrell and his staff that they got the players to the right mental pitch for this tough game away from home. Ireland seemed shocked by the South African tactics in going wide as it looked like the defence was shredded in that 1st half but they adapted really well in the 2nd half. The worry for them will be that the attack didn't click as well as they wanted.
