Who would have thought we’d beat South Africa and New Zealand on the same day?
It’s been a great day for Irish rugby as earlier on, the u20s had a famous win over the Baby Blacks and their senior counterparts had an equally historic victory over South Africa this evening.
Ireland had never beaten South Africa on their home patch and many would have bet on that trend continuing when Ireland were reduced to 14 men mid-way through the first half.
CJ Stander received his marching orders for this late hit on Patrick Lambie.
Ireland went ahead early on through try from Jared Payne but the first half ended all square 13-13 following a Lwazi Mvovo try, with the same play seeing Robbie Henshaw seeing yellow for a high tackle.
Reduced to 13 men for ten minutes, Ireland reorganised in the second half and they went ahead through a Conor Murray try and after that, it was a matter of holding onto that lead with the help of two penalties from Paddy Jackson, who also sunk a drop goal in the half.
The 26-20 win must go down as one of the greatest performances in Irish rugby history especially when you consider they played for around 60 minutes with 14 men and ten minutes with 13 men.
Fair play to the lads, and especially Devin Toner who was awarded man of the match and dedicated the award to his recently deceased father.
https://twitter.com/MauriceCotter/status/741677492528877568
What a day for Irish rugby.
