Ireland player ratings: Frawley steals the show

Ireland claimed a famous late and unlikely victory over world champions South Africa to earn a series draw in Durban.

Although they led for most of the game, Andy Farrell’s side looked out of it when the Boks put the pressure on in the second half.

Up stepped Ciarán Frawley when it mattered, the out-half kicking two superb dropgoals to snatch a 25-24 win.

Here’s how we rated the Irish players.

15. Jamie Osborne – 8

Excellent under the high ball, ably assisted by a wall of green shirts. Ran a superb line that led to Ireland’s only try and made a number of important tackles, including a try-saver when Kwagga Smith looked favourite to score. Has taken his chance at full-back.

14. Calvin Nash – 7

Good hard shift by the Munster wing, never shirked from the physical battle and made six tackles. Was a good target man for cross-kicks and held his own against his opposite number.

13. Garry Ringrose – 7

Nothing spectacular but in a tight game the midfielder’s experience was crucial. Made one clean break and fitted right into the team after a first start in months. Will be frustrated with a dropped ball before half-time.

12. Robbie Henshaw – 7.5

Incredible shift in midfield up against the power of De Allende and Kriel. Made 11 tackles, the most of any Irish back, and provided the last pass for Conor Murray’s try. Poor pass at the end when Ireland had front-foot ball.

11. James Lowe – 7.5

Much better outing from the Ireland wing, who used his boot to great effect. Made one error when kicking directly out but was solid under the numerous bombs and judged his role in the second last play, which led to an Irish lineout, well.

10. Jack Crowley – 7

Linked well and contributed 14 points off the tee, including a high-pressure shot before being replaced by Frawley with 20 minutes left. Was blocked down three times, one of which almost led to a Springboks try.

9. Conor Murray – 8

Brilliant performance from the experienced scrum-half, kicked, tackled and worked his socks off across a hectic hour. Was again in the right place to execute a pre-planned move for what proved to be a crucial try.

1. Andrew Porter – 6

Heavily involved in the loose and had good and bad moments. Part of a front row unit that was dominated at the scrum and had three penalties against his name before he departed on 57 minutes.

2. Rónan Kelleher – 7

Busy shift and the lineout struggled at times. Made a good break prior to Ireland’s try.

3. Tadhg Furlong – 6

Poor day at the scrum and didn’t return after a head injury assessment in the 45th minute. Carried well when he got the chance.

4. Joe McCarthy – 8

Big showing from the big lock and he revelled in the physical nature of the contest. Won a vital turnover when South Africa threatened at the end of the opening half.

5. James Ryan – 8.5

Best game in ages in a green shirt and stood up to the power of Etzebeth, Mostert and Snyman. Stole two lineouts at the start of the second half and never shirked once.

6. Tadhg Beirne – 7.5

Got a rare outing in the back row and got through a huge amount of work without coming up with one of his trademark morale-boosting turnovers.

7. Josh van der Flier – 7.5

Buzzed around on both sides of the ball in what was always going to be an attritional battle. Was Ireland’s top tackler with 15 and made four runs.

8. Caelan Doris – 8

Best back row on display, constantly available to carry and made 57 metres off 14 runs. Rightly yellow-carded for a croc roll but that was the only negative for the captain.

REPLACEMENTS:

16. Rob Herring (for Kelleher 66) – 6

Had plenty of involvement after his introduction.

17. Cian Healy (for Porter 57) – 6

Soldiered as best he could.

18. Finlay Bealham (for Furlong 45) – 5

Struggled, like everyone else at the scrum, and fumbled a ball when he arrived.

19. Ryan Baird (for Ryan 57) – 6

Solid shift by the replacement.

20. Peter O’Mahony (for Van der Flier 57) – 6

Tackle led to a scrum from which Ireland attacked to set up final lineout.

21. Caolin Blade (for Murray 60) – 7

Well able for his biggest Test, two superb passes for Frawley’s kicks.

22. Ciarán Frawley (for Crowley 60) – 9

Fairytale cameo for the Leinster man, who has laid down a challenge to Crowley for the 10 shirt. Had the game sense to take on the first shot and then showed composure and skill execution to work position for the second. Struck the winning goal sweet.

23. Stuart McCloskey (for Nash 62) – 6

Made one big run.