Ireland player ratings vs Springboks | Autumn Nations Series
Ireland player ratings live from Aviva Stadium: This was a humdinger to warm the Irish hearts. It was four years ago, just after the Springboks were shellacked on their last visit to Dublin, that Rassie Erasmus hatched his grand plan to return home from Munster and gloriously revive the World Cup-winning South Africa.
Now back in town for his 50th birthday and his first working Test match after the expiry of his lengthy stadium ban, he will realise he will have to work some more of his rejuvenation magic again as Ireland deservedly bagged the bragging rights ten months out from the Parisian pool showdown between the heavyweight pair at the next World Cup.
South Africa were left to rue a difficult day for Damian Willemse, a day where their collective brawn was not enough to eclipse the Irish brain which was ultimately sufficient to see out the gripping 19-16 success.
Touted by many as the biggest fixture of the entire Autumn Nations Series, once you got beyond the nonsensical jersey colour clash you had a tooth-and-nail battle to savour between an Ireland XV showing four backline changes from their July series-clinching win over the All Blacks and a South African selection that had been inconsistent across the recent Rugby Championship.
Those inconsistencies reappeared and it was enough to tip the outcome. Early penalties for offside were exchanged for a 3-3 deadlock before the gladiatorial contest – in which knock-ons and the Irish maul defence were an early feature – became poised to accelerate with the 17th-minute sin-binning of Cheslin Kolbe, but not in the way it was imagined.
? A cracking second try for @IrishRugby
Space out wide for Mack Hansen to fly off his wing to score ?#AutumnNationsSeries | #IREvRSA pic.twitter.com/rRqTsyPSKq
— Autumn Nations Series (@autumnnations) November 5, 2022
Rather than Ireland pushing on and making hay with their numerical advantage, the ensuing spell was one of South African dominance and had Damian Willemse not scuffed a penalty kick and then sent another kickable award unfruitfully to touch, they could have ‘won’ the ten minutes six points to nil.
Instead, it 15-versus-14 passage passed without a score and the half was to end with a repeat of the early-game exchange of a solitary penalty each, Johnny Sexton landing his second and Kolbe taking over on the tee from Willemse.
The engrossing arm wrestle lurched Ireland’s way early in the second half. First came the decision to ignore penalty points and claw instead at the corner, setting up Josh van der Flier for his 47th-minute maul try. Two minutes later Mack Hansen was cantering in unopposed at the corner for another unconverted try and a sudden 16-6 lead that became precarious when the Springboks struck back with Franco Mostert’s unconverted 67th-minute score.
The five-point gap guaranteed a grandstand finish that eventually toppled in favour of the Irish/. Sexton landed his 74rd-minute kick for a two-score cushion despite the cat-calls in the stadium from the Springboks fans jeering his run-up before home nerves frayed again with Kurt-Lee Arendse’s unconverted try two minutes later. Here are the Ireland player ratings following their excellent effort:
15. Hugo Keenan – 7.5
Zero games for Leinster this season due to injury but he remains a permanent name on the Andy Farrell teamsheet and he showed why with his defensive dependability, particularly under the high ball and policing territory. Did take some punishment when fairly levelled in possession by Makazole Mapimpi, with a penalty concession resulting at the ruck. Trucked on, though, to great effect.
14. Robert Baloucoune – 8
The powerful 25-year-old had always suggested at club level he had the potential to become a regular Test selection and his third cap provided convincing evidence he is the real deal. Dusted himself down after an early welcome from Jesse Kriel, his awareness was clear to see when tidily snuffing out the danger when South Africa twice kicked ahead on penalty advantage just before the break.
13. Garry Ringrose – 7.5
Has been in the form of his career this year and he set the tone early when his catch of a Conor Murray kick invited the infringement that led to the opening points. Continued on in that productive manner and capably stepped into the inside centre role following the early exit of Stuart McCloskey with the rookie Jimmy O’Brien alongside.
12. Stuart McCloskey – 7.5
Friday’s emergency inclusion due Robbie Henshaw’s pesky hamstring, his seventh cap was sadly short-lived due to a 27th-arm injury that was the legacy of the final tackle in the contribution that had him listed as his team’s top tackler at that juncture. Had taken the plaudits along with Caelan Doris for the 15th-minute turnover penalty that ended a Jasper Wiese gallop. Was positive on the other side of the ball as well. An excellent cameo.
? What a try off the back of a rolling maul for @IrishRugby’s Josh Van Der Flier?#AutumnNationsSeries | #IREvRSA pic.twitter.com/5Dp01NyKia
— Autumn Nations Series (@autumnnations) November 5, 2022
11. Mack Hansen – 8
A consummate professional who was forensically precise in everything he did. Even when he was tipped over illegally by the combined effort of Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit, he ensured he landed without injury and he went on to play with great reward, excellently taking his second-half try and also exhibiting his defensive intelligence with one great read near the corner.
10. Johnny Sexton – 7.5
Friday’s schooling of Ciaran Frawley by the All Blacks XV was yet more evidence that Sexton continues to prove irreplaceable and it was only after further treatment on 78 minutes that he finally reluctantly gave way to Joe Carbery. Will be annoyed that he conceded a penalty for hands around the neck early on but he bounced back to lead his side intelligently, something encapsulated by the decision to go for the corner and a try at 6-6 when three easy kicked points were on offer.
9. Conor Murray – 7
The auspicious occasion of his 100th cap ended prematurely when he pulled something in his leg when lung-burstingly accelerating off lineout possession into the South African 22 on 35 minutes. Revelling in a rare start in recent times, it was his teasing kick that became the prompt for the game’s opening penalty points and he later demonstrated all his hard-earned experience when snaffling a penalty at the scrum off Jaden Hendrikse.
1. Andrew Porter – 7.5
Yet again demonstrated his immense engine even though, unlike numerous teammates, his best work was done without fanfare. He particularly enjoyed the 60th-minute scrum penalty win at a time when South Africa had drained their bench and were gunning for a comeback. Gave everything he had for the 68 minutes he was involved.
2. Dan Sheehan – 8
An excellent effort that was unfortunate not to come with the satisfaction of an opportunistic first-half try. He has teased his nuisance with an early blocked kick on the visiting out-half and he then repeated the dose on Willemse before kicking on sweetly with his right foot along the ground only knock-on when diving at the bobbling ball over the line. Lasted 64 exhausting minutes.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 6
Like Keenan, Fulong had been in hibernation with just one club appearance coming into this and there was a level of rustiness to his 40-minute contribution which was ended by the knock sustained when at the heart of the action near his own line.
? Here comes the boom ?
Huge tackle from @Springboks ?#AutumnNationsSeries | #IREvFIJ pic.twitter.com/YABhH2PosC
— Autumn Nations Series (@autumnnations) November 5, 2022
4. Tadhg Beirne – 8
Began with a fluffed catch and had his face bloodied less than a quarter of the way through, but he hung tough and was a prime reason why Ireland were confident to unleash their early second-half power surge. Even managed a looping left-footed kick out of defence at one stage and followed it with a diligent kick chase. Played 64 minutes.
5. James Ryan – 8.5
Excellence personified. He was the engineer of the excellent Irish maul defence that was crucial to knotting up the South African attack and his doughty performance was seen in the closing moments of the first half, shrugging off a penalised no-arms tackle from Frans Malherbe and then stealing a lineout aimed at Eben Etzebeth. Huge tackle count throughout.
6. Peter O’Mahony – 8
The legend who typifies the lion-hearted spirit of this current Irish setup, his precision handling caught the eye and it was apt that he took the catch at the lineout that generated the van der Flier try. Stood up and was very much counted when it most mattered.
7. Josh van der Flier – 8.5
Collected a player of the year award the other week and he showed why here, rising to the challenge in a rumbustious collision and he rounded off his display with that all-important first try. So sure was he that he had perfectly grounded the ball that he immediately scarpered back to the halfway line while everyone else needed to see TMO footage to realise how brilliantly he had finished without going into touch.
8. Caelan Doris – 8
Continued to show value in keeping 2021 Lions starter Jack Conan on the bench. He was the Ireland forward that carried the most and his ability was exemplified by his alertness to pounce on the loose ball and pass it clear without going over the sideline to initiate the move for the second try.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring – 6.5
A 64th-minute introduction, he did his bit to keep Ireland ahead amid the tense finish.
17. Cian Healy – NR
Played the last eleven minutes for Porter.
18. Finlay Bealham – 8
Has come a long way since his issues versus Georgia two years ago. An interval sub for Furlong, he went on to win two scrum penalties and his general play and handling also impressed.
19. Kieran Treadwell – 6.5
A hugely beneficial 16 minutes for his fledgling Test career after he replaced Beirne.
20. Jack Conan – NR
Another 69th-minute sub, coming on for O’Mahony.
21. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8
Sent on for the injured Murray five minutes before the break, his energy was infectious and his acceleration was pivotal in the sweep that created the second try.
22. Joey Carbery – NR
Arrived on 78 minutes, he kicked the ball into the stands to end the game despite a bump from Damian de Allende, his ex-Munster teammate.
23. Jimmy O’Brien – 7.5
Huge kudos for the rookie’s composure. Only named on the bench on Friday after McCloskey’s promotion to start, he wasn’t at all out of place at this level.
Comments on RugbyPass
Ouch. Even Nohamba is a better flyhalf than Ford.
2 Go to commentsI hope Leinster’s proud of themselves fielding a poor team. They should decide if they’re all in or not.
2 Go to commentsJordie is looking at 16 games maximum if Leinster reach both the URC and champions cup finals. Thats not guaranteed. Some of those home URC fixtures will be cakewalks as well for Leinster and there is not much doing during the 6 nations in Feb and March so he can probably get a decent rest then. He will have to really put in it for maybe 7 or 8 games max. It should be a good move for both.
13 Go to commentsThe game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
25 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
13 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
13 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
6 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
25 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
6 Go to comments