How Ireland’s players were rated at Loftus Versfeld – The Irish Times

15 Jamie Osborne

Did some things well and looked unfamiliar at times in the fullback role. No surprise. Great read from James Lowe for his effort and compensated under pressure. Judgement: 7

14 Calvin Nash

Spent most of his time defending and scrambling. Never got the space and ball to run towards South Africa, but ran anyway. Judgement: 7

13 Robbie Henshaw

Took a big hit early on from Springbok captain Siya Solisi. Was still busy with the ball in hand and tackling. Outside there were some collective defensive problems. Judgement: 7

12 Bundee Aki

Not as dynamic as last time in France. Lots of good defensive work and a tight but few threatening runs forward from the Connacht centre. Judgement: 7

11 James Lowe

Did brilliantly to feed Osborne for his try. Did it all himself for another reject. In the middle of it all. Yeah. Kolbe’s try too. Still. Judgement: 8

10 Jack Crowley

Missed a few precious chances in the first half but held his ground and remained resilient under enormous pressure, always on the hunt. Judgement: 7

9 Craig Casey

Gave Ireland the high tempo they wanted. He marched and berated his players and was always a fierce competitor until he was replaced by Conor Murray after RG Snyman was fit. Judgement: 7

( South Africa 27 Ireland 20: As it happened )

1 Andrew Porter

Mixed bag from the reliable prop. A couple of penalties given away but as always good in the scrum and a fighter around the park. Judgement: 8

2 Dan Sheehan

Busy first half popping up around the pitch. Not much space although he nearly got away with an early interception. Went off injured at half time. Judgement: 7

3 Tadhg Furlong

Typical Furlong shift, lots of tackling, short carries and his work in a busy breakdown area was excellent. No room for long carries today. Judgement: 8

4 Joe McCarthy

Mixed action from the big man. Used his strength well under Springbok pressure but didn’t beat and roll away for a penalty. Judgement: 7

5th floor Beirne

Never far from the ball, much of his grinding hard work went unnoticed. Interception and turnover in the second half where he was more visible. Judgement: 8

6 Peter O’Mahony

Played himself out for 50 minutes in the engine room of tackling and bothering himself. Lineout option too, all under pressure. Judgement: 7

7 Josh van der Flier

Always involved in attritional play, though it could be more visible. Big turnover in the second half, but still maybe a percent or two off his best. Judgement: 7

8 Caelan Doris

Perhaps Ireland’s most effective player of the day. Carried very well, led the field well and nearly got away with a try at the end. Judgement: 8

Replacements

Garry Ringrose cleared up the fringe defence which had been a problem in the first half. Ryan Baird added some sharpness and determination and scored a try, as did Conor Murray. Overall the impact was both ways as the scrum also produced a try. Judgement: 7

Coach

Andy Farrell picked a team that could have won this game, although it was only in the second half that they came alive. Excellent play, although the scrum try at the end is a concern. The team showed resilience and have an ethic that carries on. Expect better next week. Judgement: 7