There was a moment when it definitely seemed gone. After holding out valiantly for 60 minutes - more - Ireland conceded a late linebreak and JP Pieterson was strutting for the corner. Another stomach punch try in the corner. Like a flash, Payne and Henshaw arrived to make the game-saving tackle, and then to finish the job, Ireland's outhalf arrived and threw himself into the tackle to assure Ireland's victory.
History will inform future generations that Ireland's outhalf in arguably its greatest Test win ever was Paddy Jackson. The same Paddy Jackson who was offered up to the lions in Murrayfield on that gray day in 2013. The same Paddy Jackson who seemed surplus to Joe Schmidt's requirements until Ian Madigan decided to move to France. Jackson finished the match with 3 penalties kicked, 2 conversions completed and a drop goal. Wee Paddy Jackson, leader of men.
We've always followed Paddy Jackson's career with interest. He felt like an exception to the rule that modern athletes must be results-driven automotons. His lip syncs and instagram videos have been featured time and again on this site. He always seemed like a decent rugby player as well, and we're pretty confident the older generation that coach him confuse his love for mischief with mental weakness.
It is amazing though that a man who seems to love fun so much veered towards the most mentally-draining position on the rugby pitch. It tells you there is something powerful about him.
But Paddy Jackson decided to change in 2016. He gave up the social media hysterics after Schmidt told him he needed to get serious to play for him. And then today, with Sexton hurt, Schmidt gave him the keys of the family Porsche. And Paddy delivered. No doubt, the video session won't be fun when that intercept try in queued up but Jackson cemented his status as an international-quality outhalf this evening in Cape Town.
Ian Madigan gave Jackson a warm hug at post-match that was telling; these two out-halves who know adversity well.
What's next for Paddy Jackson is fascinating. Given Sexton's propensity for injury, Jackson could easily be wearing the #10 jersey for Ireland in Japan in three years. No Irish rugby fan would have been pleased at that prospect three years ago.
Today, it seems like a pretty exciting possibility. Onwards, etc.
