It wasn’t a classic by any stretch as South Africa looked a pale shadow of their former selves, but Ireland did all that was asked of them and got their November Series off to an emphatic start.
Here's how we rated the men in green
Rob Kearney 6/10
Dropped the first high ball of the game, but was up to South Africa’s aerial bombardment which was their main attacking ploy. One lucky escape at the end of the first half when his misread a kick, but attacked often from deep to begin Irish attacks.
Andrew Conway 9/10
Two of his previous outings for Ireland came against Japan this summer but looked at ease at the step-up in quality of opposition and was heavily involved in first half on the right wing. The second smallest man on the Irish team competed for everything in the air and got his just rewards in the first half with his first international try. Owed a great deal to a defensive malfunction, but the Munster winger was a nuisance under the high ball and scampered over.
What a try it was! Rhys Ruddock gets the score but watch the pass from Robbie Henshaw - beautiful! #IREvRSA pic.twitter.com/hLmatVzN7z
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 11, 2017
Robbie Henshaw 8/10
Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende flattered to deceive in midfield, but Henshaw again was the defensive lynchpin. Bailed Rob Kearney out when the kick through bounced through his hands, with his provincial team-mate covering the danger as South African runners bore down. A sublime offload in the first-half was a taste of perhaps more to come from Henshaw in the 13 jersey.
Bundee Aki 7.5/10
Less than 60 seconds had elapsed before he served up his customary big hitting tackle and was sharp off the defensive live. Benefitted from having his former Connacht team-mate in the outside channel. Could have been caught out early on if Damian De Allande hadn’t butchered an overlap, and can be thankful that the Springboks were so rudderless on the front foot. Will be pleased with his Test debut.
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Jacob Stockdale 7.5/10
Far less action on the left wing, but defensively did all that was asked of him in just his third outing for Ireland. Spent more time jumping for ball in the air than with ball in hand. Put in a shuddering tackle on Dillyn Leyds as he was about to put a team-mate away in the second half and rounded off the resounding win with the final try of the game for his second in three games.
Johnny Sexton 9/10
The out-half brought his Ireland tally up to 626 point and gave another masterful performance, outclassing his opposite number Elton Janties in the box-kicking duel and controlling things from start until his exit shortly before full-time. Again more than happy to chip in with the defensive duties, he was often the focal point of some hard Springbok carries, while Francois Louw never let the out-half out of his sights.
Conor Murray 7.5/10
Nothing fussy from the Munster man and the level of performance we have come to expect. His ability to spot danger with covering tackles is a huge boon and the half-back understanding is a joy to behold.
Cian Healy 8/10
Looks rejuvenated back in the Test arena as the home side dominated in the scrum. Winning the first penalty was a fine start, helped by departure of Coenie Oosthuizen, and reminded Irish fans of his destructive ball carrying by swatting away some would-be challengers. With Jack McGrath not even in the match-day squad, loosehead prop is a real area of strength for Joe Schmidt and his management team.
Rory Best 7/10
No issues at the lineout and part of a solid scrum as Best enjoyed a good day at the office. The Ulster hooker’s first start for his country came against the Springboks 11 years ago and arguably enjoyed his most comfortable outing against the two-time world champions.
Tadhg Furlong 8/10
The ‘Beast’ Tendei Mtawarira acknowledged in the build-up that the Wexford man is the best tighthead in the business in the northern hemisphere and he again locked down the Irish scrum. The Beast departed 15 minutes into the second half as Furlong continues to go from strength-to-strength.
Iain Henderson 8.5/10
Another who relished the physical exchanges and eager to carry at every opportunity. Displayed his sheer power in the lead-up for Sexton’s second penalty and is a key component in Andy Farrell’s defensive strategy. Was more than equal to his opposite number and South Africa captain Eben Etzebeth. A handling error scuppered one first-half attack, but hard to find my faults to the Ulster man’s game.
Devin Toner 7/10
An impressive outing from Toner. Had a dip in form earlier in the year but was keen to put down a marker on his 51st outing for Ireland. Showed sympathetic handing on a number of occasions and was millimetres from an intercept in the second half as he shot off the line sniffing danger.
Peter O’Mahony 7/10
Once again a blood (literally in the first half) and guts display and always alert at the breakdown. A number of carries had the South African line creaking before he left the field shortly into the second half.
Sean O’Brien 7.5/10
A memorable day for the Carlow man on his 50th cap and was a constant thorn in the South African sides at the breakdown. Grew into the contest and his body positioning and snaffling slowed down any hopes of quick ball for the visitors. Always alert to counter-attack opportunities and had South African defenders scrambling on a number of occasions.
CJ Stander 8/10
A colossus at the base of the scrum, always quick on the scene as soon as Etzebeth wound up for his big carries and thrived on the close exchanges. Huge turnover on Siya Kolisi on the half-hour mark as South Africa threatened to bash their way through the Irish defensive line.
Rob Herring adds more gloss to what is turning into a drubbing #IREvRSA #RTErugby pic.twitter.com/ymgGyLOwec
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 11, 2017
Replacements
Rob Herring for Best (67) 7/10
Came into a pack that had the upperhand and claimed the final try on just his second cap as Ireland powered their way to an emphatic finish.
Dave Kilcoyne for Healy (67) 7/10
Despite the raft of changes on both sides, bristled with intent as Ireland continued to steal a march at set-piece.
John Ryan for Furlong (71) 7/10
Another who did his chances of starting next week no harm with a solid cameo.
James Ryan for Henderson (71) 6/10
Will have more challenging times in the Test arena, but further experience for the young lock.
Rhys Ruddock on for O’Mahony (51 mns) 8/10
An eye-catching performance from Ruddock who marked his arrival with a turnover on Jess Kriel. The type of game that suits the abrasive nature of the backrower, he showed clever footwork from close range to get on the scoresheet.
Kieran Marmion for Murray (71) 7/10
A busy performance from Marmion who ensured the tempo didn’t drop as Ireland put the foot on the throat of the struggling South Africans.
Joey Carbery for Sexton (75) 7/10
First act was to nonchalantly convert Rob Herring’s try after replacing Sexton. A pinpoint kick out to Darren Sweetnam was the catalyst for the final try.
Darren Sweetnam for Kearney (75) 7/10
Came off the bench for his first taste of international rugby and was quickly involved in chasing a Carbery kick before the danger was eventually brought to ground. A day to remember for the Munster winger.
