South Africa 2-1 Ireland
But I was proved wrong, Paddy Jackson was incredibly solid and Ireland showed glimpses of real potential in South Africa. For Jackson, this was a tour where he came of age and finally proved he could be a serious player on the international stage. For Ireland, they notched their first win on South African soil in their history, 55 years after their first visit. This being a man down for an hour of the 80 minutes and thoroughly deserving their win. In the second game they were so close but a last 20 minute capitulation handed South Africa the match and they didn't quite get there in the last test.
All three had just six point margins in them and all three games saw a hard-working and clever pack compete with some brutal South Africans. I should not also neglect to mention the quality of their backs too, who linked well with the forwards and showed flair and creativity during their good attacking spells.
This is in stark contrast to the Six Nations. They played basic, unambitious rugby (particularly in the games that mattered) and found themselves out of contention by week three. Ireland would struggle to beat England with their performance in the series overall, but throw in Sexton and a few other key backs, with the tactics a year further on, and this could be a truly dangerous team come February.
And lets not forget the role of Andy Farrell. After the shambolic defending of England at the Rugby World Cup and throughout 2015, shipping 35, 28 and 33 points to France, Wales and Australia respectively, Ireland looked very solid. It helped Ireland respond as incredibly as they did to the seige they came under in the first match with just 14 men on the field. Crucially it also gave them more freedom in their own half as they had a confidence in their ability to defend.
The 22 points conceded in one quarter at the end of the second test will be the area that will stick with them. It will be so unbelievably frustrating for everyone involved in team, they were so close to history, perhaps too close and ultimately crumbled under the intensity of the situation. But these things happen at the end of a long hard season against brutal opposition when you are on the verge of history. It will be tough for them to take but they will learn the lessons from it.
As much as I would love to see England win every grandslam up to 2019, deep down I know that if this Irish team keeps heading in the direction it is, that simply won't happen, regardless of whether they get a knew coach or not. The 2015 World Cup showed them they have to have more about their game and in the last five games they've played, they really have. The northern hemisphere is really starting to sort itself out, with Ireland a team back on the rise. They have some re-building to do, not only with their gameplan but their squad as well, but by 2019 they will be a force to be reckoned with.
By Nick Powell
With Sexton out, I really
did fear the worst for the Ireland. I never thought Paddy Jackson was a bad
player, but didn't think he could single-handedly run the back division with
enough quality as Sexton has. I also didn't feel he was going to kick all his
goals and ultimately that would cost Ireland. With doubts over
the future of their coach, and injuries left, right and centre I just couldn't
help but feel this tour had come at the wrong time for Ireland.But I was proved wrong, Paddy Jackson was incredibly solid and Ireland showed glimpses of real potential in South Africa. For Jackson, this was a tour where he came of age and finally proved he could be a serious player on the international stage. For Ireland, they notched their first win on South African soil in their history, 55 years after their first visit. This being a man down for an hour of the 80 minutes and thoroughly deserving their win. In the second game they were so close but a last 20 minute capitulation handed South Africa the match and they didn't quite get there in the last test.
Ireland have never won a test series in South Africa
All three had just six point margins in them and all three games saw a hard-working and clever pack compete with some brutal South Africans. I should not also neglect to mention the quality of their backs too, who linked well with the forwards and showed flair and creativity during their good attacking spells.
This is in stark contrast to the Six Nations. They played basic, unambitious rugby (particularly in the games that mattered) and found themselves out of contention by week three. Ireland would struggle to beat England with their performance in the series overall, but throw in Sexton and a few other key backs, with the tactics a year further on, and this could be a truly dangerous team come February.
And lets not forget the role of Andy Farrell. After the shambolic defending of England at the Rugby World Cup and throughout 2015, shipping 35, 28 and 33 points to France, Wales and Australia respectively, Ireland looked very solid. It helped Ireland respond as incredibly as they did to the seige they came under in the first match with just 14 men on the field. Crucially it also gave them more freedom in their own half as they had a confidence in their ability to defend.
The 22 points conceded in one quarter at the end of the second test will be the area that will stick with them. It will be so unbelievably frustrating for everyone involved in team, they were so close to history, perhaps too close and ultimately crumbled under the intensity of the situation. But these things happen at the end of a long hard season against brutal opposition when you are on the verge of history. It will be tough for them to take but they will learn the lessons from it.
Ireland's second test defeat was agonising, and gave South Africa the momentum to win the series
As much as I would love to see England win every grandslam up to 2019, deep down I know that if this Irish team keeps heading in the direction it is, that simply won't happen, regardless of whether they get a knew coach or not. The 2015 World Cup showed them they have to have more about their game and in the last five games they've played, they really have. The northern hemisphere is really starting to sort itself out, with Ireland a team back on the rise. They have some re-building to do, not only with their gameplan but their squad as well, but by 2019 they will be a force to be reckoned with.
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