Sad News : sa rugby head coach is……. Read more
Ultimately the hosts came away with a 27-20 victory, having actually led from the moment Kurt-Lee Arendse scored as early as the third minute.
Erasmus had opted to select a vastly experienced team packed with World Cup winners, and that big match temperament certainly played a contributing role late in the game as Ireland sought to mount a comeback.
It’s unlikely that the Springbok coach will feel it’s necessary to make too many changes to what is still a ‘winning formula’, but it will be interesting to see whether there could be a change at halfback.
Both Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard produced surprisingly inconsistent showings, and it could possibly open the door for Manie Libbok to at least be brought back into the matchday 23.
Strong consideration could also be given to offering a start to Grant Williams, who did inject some real energy off the bench.
At No 8, Kwagga Smith endured a poor start to the Test, and although he did work his way into the game, there could also be justification to bringing in a specialist
On Saturday, Ireland threatened to snatch victory as the clock counted down, but on the balance of play, there is no doubt that the Springboks deserved to come away with victory.
“Overall, the goal was achieved but it was far from a perfect performance,” said Erasmus.
“Ireland are a team we’ve had zero success against since (we took over in) 2018 and the next worst record is against New Zealand – which is a 50% record – and they’ve really had our number.
“And there were instances where they came back so strongly and if they didn’t have one or two big injuries the game would have been much tighter.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a monkey off our back but it’s a really good competitive opponent, who are number two in the world, and any day they can step up and beat you and be number one.”
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