Andy Farrell said there’s not much separating the top-ranked teams in the world following a last-gasp win for Ireland over the world champion Springboks on Saturday.

A 25-24 victory for the second-ranked Ireland in a Durban thriller levelled the two-Test series after the Boks won by seven points in Pretoria last week.

“I honestly do not care who the best team in the world is,” said Englishman Farrell. “You would not want to separate these teams and there are probably three or four other countries who come into the conversation.

“World rugby is in a good state when we have this sort of competition,” he added after taking charge of the Six Nations champions for the 50th time.

South Africa completed back-to-back World Cup victories last October in Paris, having recovered from losing to Ireland in the pool stage.

Farrell highlighted the character of Ireland after replacement flyhalf Ciaran Frawley kicked two long-range drop goals in the last 10 minutes, including one on the final hooter, to snatch a series-levelling win.

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It was just the second time Ireland have won a Test in 11 attempts in South Africa, with the first in Cape Town eight years ago.

“As far as drama goes and with the pressure we put on ourselves because we were not happy with last week’s performance, this result is right up there,” the head coach said.

“It came against a magnificent team. We had to come out and perform and the character of the team came through. That is what sport is all about.

“It has been a 13-month season for these lads, but you would not think it after tonight. When you play for Ireland, there are no excuses.

“Our tussles with South Africa have been immense and we had to show guts, bravery and composure tonight.

“Our first half was outstanding, as good as it gets, but in the second half we made enough mistakes to last us three games. It was a complete role-reversal from last week.”

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan via Getty Images

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