Ireland Top The World Champions

Guinness Autumn Test Series: Ireland 15 South Africa 10

By Denis O'Brien

Irish rugby is in a very special place right now as last weekend saw Ireland come from behind to beat world champions South Africa in the last of the Guinness Test series on Saturday at Croke Park.

This end of season clash was billed as the battle of the hemispheres - Ireland tops in the north up against Tri Nations winners and world champions Springboks, in the south.

It was an intense affair throughout but in the second half it was Ireland, playing with flair and some splendid attacking rugby, who dominated and forced South Africa to give away penalties which the excellent out-half Jonathon Sexton converted with aplomb.

The Springboks had their share of penalty chances but, kicker Morne Steyn could only manage to find the target once from five penalty attempts while his replacement, Ruan Pienaar failed to convert a crucial 68 minute three-pointer which meant South Africa trailing Ireland 10-15, had to score twice to win.

Ireland continued to pressure the Springboks line having had the visitors pinned back in their own half with Keith Earls nearly making the corner flag before being tackled into touch by their out-half Steyn.

In that half, South Africa offered little in attack apart from fruitless kicks and Garryowens by the out-half, that were grist all afternoon to excellent Irish full back, Rob Kearney.

However, the world champions finished strongly in the closing stages as they desperately went looking for a match tying try and came very close when a burst by Tendai Mtawarira fell just short of the Irish line.

The Boks threw everything at Ireland in those final minutes but a stout Irish defense held firm and when the world champions tried to overlap, the brilliant Brian O'Driscoll made the decisive tackle to put an end to the South African's challenge.

Freezing fog greeted both teams and it proceeded to get worse throughout the course of the game.

The Boks, in their familiar green and orange strip, were on top in the early going as their powerful forwards controlled the tempo of the game.

Their scrum in particular caused the home side untold problems. Ireland gave away a penalty from such difficulties but South Africa failed to capitalize as Steyn missed the conversion.

Ireland playing in white tops and green trunks, looked good when running the ball and a promising phase was spoiled when centre Paddy Wallace knocked forward.

The homeside though were first to get on the board when Sexton put over a great penalty goal from distance and his replacing of Ronan O'Gara looked a shrewd move by manager Declan Kidney.

The world champions hit back though five minutes later when after several good attacking phases, they ran the ball out wide and without having to use a handsome overlap, the blonde haired Schalk Burger ran in for the only try of the game. Steyn converted to give the Boks a 7-3 lead.

O'Driscoll then somehow managed to break free from a tackle to make good yardage and further good work by the Irish forwards saw Donncha O'Callaghan just held off from touching down in Ireland's best try scoring move of the first half.

Gordon Darcy then replaced Wallace who was forced to retire through injury. Ireland fell further behind when penalized for holding on and Steyn made no mistake to extend the lead to seven.

Ireland replied immediately though as Sexton put over another great goal. South Africa had a chance of a second try but Tommy Bowe who impressed throughout, made a timely interception. The visitors however missed two chances just before half time to stretch the lead but Morne Steyn missed on both occasions.

Ireland were full of running on the restart with Kearney particularly impressive fielding high deliveries and attacking out of defense.

Steyn missed another penalty effort and with the game in the balance you suspected that those missed opportunities might come back to haunt the South Africans.

Ireland now began to press with purpose and forcing a penalty kick, Sexton effortlessly brought the homeside to within a point.

More good work resulted in another penalty and again Sexton was up to the task to give Ireland the lead for the first time in the game.

Now Ireland were growing in confidence and attacked the Springboks at every opportunity.

Scrumhalf, Tomas O'Leary was impressing with his decision making while big Jamie Heaslip made some great bursts forward. The Boks were coming under constant pressure and looked rattled.

Then after several good Irish phases Sexton's overcooked crossfield kick to the corner flag allowed South Africa to clear downfield. But Ireland continued to impress and a fine passing movement nearly saw Earls make the corner flag.

Young Sexton then missed his first penalty kick but showed composure when slotting between the posts minutes later to give Ireland a 15-10 lead.

Tommy Bowe made a great burst upfield and were it not for a high tackle, might have gone all the way.

Sexton missed the resultant penalty but it would make no difference as despite their late efforts South Africa were unable to penetrate the Irish line.

Another great day for Irish rugby then and one that will help keep a winning mentality alive and see this team continue to grow in maturity and confidence.