In Ireland's two most recent southern hemisphere tours, series victories were secured despite losing the first Test - but in South Africa that is not possible.
In Ireland's two most recent southern hemisphere tours, series victories were secured despite losing the first Test.
After a 27-20 loss that came courtesy of a decidedly rusty first half, Andy Farrell's side are left with no margin for error if they are to salvage anything from this series against the number one-ranked side in the game. Robbie Henshaw and Dan Sheehan were both replaced at half-time, while Craig Casey and Jamie Osborne departed in the second half, the former stretchered off after striking his head on the turf.
Against arguably the widest talent pool in the game however, any loss of depth is sure to be keenly felt.Farrell described his side as "off" in the immediate aftermath of the defeat and, while the Springboks were certainly deserving of their win, Ireland will rue the fact that two of their opponent's three tries were wholly avoidable.
The Leinster wing, who created Jamie Osborne's first-half score and had one of his own chalked off by the TMO, had another serious misjudgement in the final minutes as he misplayed a restart that had looked set to go dead, giving South Africa the scrum that ultimately led to a crucial penalty try.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Africa 27-20 Ireland: World champions South Africa edge Ireland in first TestSouth Africa underlined their status as the number one side ranked side in the game with victory over Ireland in Pretoria.
Read more »
South Africa 27-20 Ireland: World champions South Africa edge Ireland in first TestSouth Africa underlined their status as the number one side ranked side in the game with victory over Ireland in Pretoria.
Read more »
South Africa vs Ireland: 'He's got presence' - Andy Farrell backs debutant Jamie OsborneIreland head coach Andy Farrell backs Jamie Osborne after handing the Leinster player a surprise Test debut at full-back for Saturday's Test against world champions South Africa.
Read more »
South Africa v Ireland: Andy Farrell's side have backs against wallIn Ireland's two most recent southern hemisphere tours, series victories were secured despite losing the first Test - but in South Africa that is not possible.
Read more »
Andy Farrell warns Ireland not to be ‘desperate’ against South AfricaIreland’s two-match tour concludes next Saturday in Durban after an opening 27-20 defeat.
Read more »
Andy Farrell warns Ireland not to be ‘desperate’ against South AfricaIreland’s two-match tour concludes next Saturday in Durban after an opening 27-20 defeat.
Read more »