The Springboks will always have their four World Cup titles, but Ireland came to play in Durban on Saturday and the best team won, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Ciaran Frawley kicked a last-minute drop goal to give the Irish a dramatic 25-24 win over the world champions at Kings Park, and a 1-1 draw in the two-Test series.
It was the second drop goal of the match by Frawley, as Ireland came from five points behind to triumph after leading 16-6 at half time.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane reflects on the dramatic clash but criticised a decision by the Boks to go for a penalty instead of keeping pressure on Ireland, arguing that it indicated a lack of control.
SA Rugby magazine editor Zelím Nel had differing views on in-game strategy, with Keohane suggesting more significant player shifts following Willie le Roux’s early injury.
Keohane praised the visitors’ intensity and physicality, especially in the first half, and justified Irish fans’ belief in their team’s superiority.
He pointed out that while the Boks excel in knockout tournaments, they lack consistency between World Cups, unlike the greatest teams.
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“A dramatic ending. But the right one. The best team on the night won. Even if it took an 81st-minute drop goal,” Keohane writes.
“‘Shocker call to go for the penalty and three points on 35 minutes and give Ireland three points and give them back field position, despite being 10-6.’
“This was my text message to SA Rugby magazine editor Zelím Nel, with whom I do weekly podcasts. ‘Desperation stuff. We are 10-3 down. Keep them on their line and even if it does not work, we turn a converted try down.’
“I know that these types of messages were being sent between millions in South Africa during the game.
“Ireland, in Durban, came to play … Ireland were good enough. The Springboks weren’t good enough.”
Photo: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan via Irish Rugby
The post Boks ‘weren’t good enough’ to beat Irish appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
