Jean De Villiers of South Africa is tackled by Ian Madigan of Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland..
(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)
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Ireland upset wasteful Springboks
Ireland upset the odds to claim a deserved 29-15 victory over South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.
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Jan Serfontein of South Africa is tackled by Richardt Strauss and Jared Payne of Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.
(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)
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Written off before kick-off, Ireland led from start to finish, as the teams scored two tries apiece.
But it was the Irish defence that was ultimately at the origin of their first win over the Boks since 2009.
Dominated at the set piece, and on the wrong end of the possession and territory stats, the Irish defence was as committed as the Springbok attack was predictable.
Massive credit must also go to the Irish coaching staff for their tactics and to their half-backs for their decision making and execution. In stark contrast to the Springboks, every chance was taken, every plan was pulled off, mistakes were minimal.
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Tommy Bowe celebrates scoring a try for Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.
(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)
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South Africa will regret the decisions to turn down points on a few occasions in the first half as they were left to chase the game and didn't have the attacking game to unlock the Irish wall.
Man of the match: Every member of the Irish pack deserves a pat on the back for their tireless tackling but Jonathan Sexton's faultless kicking and decision making display once again showed why he is the best fly-half in Europe.
Moment of the match: It always seemed like the Boks would launch a comeback butTommy Bowe's try took the wind out of their sails and sealed a memorable win. It was a master stroke of tactical execution.
Villain of the match: No real nasty stuff.
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Adriaan Strauss of South Africa is tackled by Mike Ross of Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland..
(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)
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next test:
England v S. Africa
Nov 15
Twickenham / London
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Ireland v Georgia
Nov 16
Aviva Stadium / Dublin
