Springboks v Ireland: Winners and losers from ‘blockbuster’ series as ‘gamble pays off’ for Andy Farrell

Following a blockbuster two-Test series between the Springboks and Ireland that ended in a 1-1 draw, we have selected our winners and losers from the action.

South Africa won the first fixture 27-20 in Pretoria before two moments of Ciaran Frawley magic helped Ireland prevail 25-24 in Durban to make it a tied Test series.

Without further ado, here’s our winners and losers from the past fortnight’s games.

Winners

Jamie Osborne

A gamble that most definitely paid off for Andy Farrell. Osborne’s stock has soared this season as he’s shone in midfield for Leinster and now backed that up with excellent performances at full-back for Ireland. His future is incredibly bright, no doubt helped by his versatility, and we look forward to watching his progress.

Osborne was ultra solid in the air – staggering considering his lack of game time in the 15 jersey – defended and kicked expertly and offered a playmaking option to boot.

Ciaran Frawley

Ex-Springboks head coach Nick Mallett spoke after the second Test about the “lovely story” for Frawley as his drop goal agony in the recent Champions Cup final was now put behind him. His long-range strikes for Ireland were out of the top drawer as the Boks looked on helpless, with Frawley enjoying a special moment.

Calls are being made for Frawley to take over as first-choice fly-half for Leinster and we think that would benefit not only the player but also his province and Ireland.

Pieter-Steph du Toit

Mr Consistent. Du Toit rarely has an off game and that was evident once again in this Test series. The flanker is tireless, powerful, intelligent and leads by example.

He was everywhere at Loftus Versfeld and also Kings Park and his importance to Rassie Erasmus and the Boks cannot be underplayed. Just an outstanding player.

Conor Murray

He might be 35 but there’s still a spring in his step and he oozed class in both games, more so the second after coming in as a starter due to Craig Casey’s concussion.

He outplayed opposite number Faf de Klerk with his game management, calmness and territorial kicking of the highest calibre. An excellent series from the veteran.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

From 35 to 22 years of age, we land at a player who should reach 100 caps in the future. Feinberg-Mngomezulu has proved he is more than ready for international rugby with impressive back-to-back showings at fly-half and full-back, a short cameo in the first match and shining at number 15 in the second.

Another hugely versatile player with a bright future on the international stage, the Stormers star is likely to be a regular feature in Springbok 23s moving forward.

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Andrew Porter

Often criticised at scrum time, Porter has silenced his doubters over the two fixtures with strong displays against Frans Malherbe that will no doubt please him greatly.

Around the field Ireland’s loosehead was his typical all-action self but disciplined and rock solid performances against one of the best in the business was a major plus.

Andy Farrell

His 50th Test in charge of Ireland was made extra special on Saturday as they claimed that incredible win in Durban as Farrell’s tenure at the helm continues to impress.

The team’s record against the Springboks under Farrell is excellent and despite their injury problems, they raised their game in Test II to end the season on a high note.

World Cup disappointment aside, it has been an incredible period in charge thus far under Farrell and this tied Test series is another positive under his expert tutelage.

Losers

Rassie Erasmus

A face like thunder in the post-match press conference as the good work of Pretoria was undone by defeat last Saturday, as Ireland continue to be a thorn in his side.

Erasmus will know this was a perfect opportunity to claim a series whitewash, especially with Ireland’s injury problems to key players going into the second match.

This drawn series on home soil will sting the Bok head coach and he will no doubt want a response against Portugal before this year’s Rugby Championship kicks in.

Peter O’Mahony

Farrell said O’Mahony was “not happy” after he was dropped to the replacements bench for the second Test, which was a bold move to make for an Ireland captain. However, it paid off in Durban as it freed up Tadhg Beirne to impact the game around the field while James Ryan put in an assured performance at second-row.

O’Mahony, to his credit, impressed off the bench last Saturday in the 25-24 victory but one wonders if his starting place is now under threat after this July series.

Faf de Klerk

He was awarded a stunning 2/10 by Planet Rugby features editor Jared Wright after a disappointing second Test performance that saw his kicking game struggle.

While he was his usual solid self defensively, the experienced De Klerk was poor with the boot and in his decision making as Murray easily won that personal duel.

Ireland’s prop depth

It’s a concern that Ireland struggled against the ‘Bomb Squad’ at scrum time in the second half, especially in the first Test. Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham and Ronan Kelleher were shunted backwards at an alarming rate in that stunning Springboks penalty try at Loftus Versfeld, which no doubt is a concern for boss Farrell.

It’s interesting that the Irish Rugby Football Union recently announced that non-Irish qualified front-row signings would be halted for the time being, which could be a wise decision as the provinces look to find not just the next Tadhg Furlong and Porter, but a group of options they can deploy in the coming years.

Those who missed out

The likes of Johan Grobbelaar, Evan Roos, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, Lukhanyo Am, Oli Jager, Cormac Izuchukwu, Cian Prendergast, Nick Timoney, Jordan Larmour, Jacob Stockdale, Jimmy O’Brien and others will be hugely disappointed not to have featured as both head coaches largely kept the faith in this series.

For the Springboks they at least have an upcoming clash with Portugal where those who missed out against Ireland will no doubt be handed chances to impress, but for the Ireland contingent, which also includes the promising fly-half Sam Prendergast, they head home hoping that their chance comes further down the line.

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