Andy Farrell dismisses accusation that Ireland were ‘shambolic’ and instead insists his players ‘showed bottle for their country’ in a ‘chaotic’ situation

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has insisted his team’s card-troubled performance in their 13-24 Autumn Nations Series loss to the Springboks wasn’t shambolic, adding that it was amazing to ‘win’ the second half 6-5.

The Irish were shown four yellow cards – with one upgraded to a 20-minute red – during a first half that ended with Farrell’s side defending with 12 players against 15.

It was too much of an ask, as the half finished with referee Matthew Carley running in under the posts to award a penalty try after yet another scrum infringement.

The second half began with South