Ireland vs South Africa: Chaotic Defeat but Farrell Proud, Boks Break Streak

Ireland falls to South Africa in a “chaotic” match

Ireland coach Andy Farrell described his team’s 23-14 defeat to South Africa as “chaotic”, stating that he had never experienced a test match like that. Ireland suffered the consequences of the refereeing decisions and received five cards in a match full of ups and downs. At one point, they were left with 12 players on the field, while the Springboks ended a 13-year wait without winning in Dublin. Although Ireland started well, it was the Boks who scored first through Damian Willemse. However, Irish discipline broke down, with James Ryan receiving a yellow card, which later turned into a 20-minute red, while Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley, and Andrew Porter were cautioned in the first half. Dan Sheehan scored for Ireland in the first 40 minutes, but a try by Cobus Reinach and a penalty try took the Boks into halftime with a 19-7 lead. The second half continued in a similar fashion. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored a magnificent try after the break, Prendergast converted two penalties for the home side, and Paddy McCarthy and Grant Williams also saw yellow cards.

“I would say chaotic. I’m not going to repeat your word, I think you’re wrong. I’ve never seen a game like that. We have to analyze why things happened and make sure we learn the lessons. I am incredibly proud,” said Farrell.

Andy Farrell

Farrell also commented that Ireland made some “stupid mistakes”, but that his team must take this match as a lesson.

The coach added: “If you can’t learn from this, then you’re not in the right place. For many reasons, I believe that, being left with 12 men, the way the guys came out and showed their worth for the country, especially in the first ten minutes of the second half, was absolutely incredible.” Farrell highlighted the team’s effort and the support of the fans. In addition, he mentioned the importance of learning from mistakes and missed opportunities, such as the one they had to score a try under the posts in the final minutes. Caelan Doris, like Farrell, also felt that Feinberg-Mngomezulu should have been sanctioned more severely for a previous high tackle. Doris agreed with Farrell’s assessment of the match.

“Chaotic is the word that sums it up, definitely. As Faz said before, I am proud of the fight, the courage and the character that we sometimes show,” said Doris.

Caelan Doris

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus was delighted with the victory, as they managed to triumph on Dublin soil for the first time since 2012. Erasmus highlighted the importance of the victory and the team’s pride after a long season.

“I think we were dominant for most of the game. Today was hectic and difficult to manage and understand who was out and who was in, who had a HIA and that’s test rugby at the highest level,” said Erasmus.

Rassie Erasmus

The Boks had an extra reason to celebrate, as Malcolm Marx was crowned World Rugby Player of the Year.

“To be fair, this is achieved thanks to the team environment. Things like this happen thanks to the group we have. This is not just for me, it’s a team award for the support and structures we have. It’s not for me, it’s for our team and South Africa,” Marx said.

Malcolm Marx