Ireland coach Andy Farrell said he did not care which team is the best in the world following a last-gasp 25-24 win over top of the world rankings South Africa on Saturday.
Victory for second-ranked Ireland in a Durban thriller levelled the two-test series after the Rugby World Cup holders won by seven points in Pretoria last weekend.
“I honestly do not care who the best team in the world is. You would not want to separate these teams, and there are probably three or four other countries who come into the conversation. World rugby is in a good state when we have this sort of competition,” added Farrell after taking charge of the Six Nations champions for the 50th time.
South Africa completed back-to-back World Cup victories last October in Paris, having recovered from losing to Ireland in the pool stage.
Farrell highlighted the character of his team after replacement flyhalf Ciaran Frawley kicked two long-range drop goals in the last 10 minutes, including one on the final hooter, to snatch a series-levelling win.
It was just the second time Ireland have won a test in 11 attempts in South Africa, with the first in Cape Town eight years ago.
“As far as drama goes and with the pressure we put on ourselves because we were not happy with last week’s performance, this result is right up there,” said Farrell.
‘Magnificent team’
“It came against a magnificent team. We had to come out and perform, and the character of the team came through. That is what sport is all about.
“It has been a 13-month season for these lads, but you would not think it after tonight. When you play for Ireland, there are no excuses. Our tussles with South Africa have been immense and we had to show guts, bravery and composure tonight. Our first half was outstanding, as good as it gets, but in the second half, we made enough mistakes to last us three games. It was a complete role reversal from last week,” added Farrell.
Having won the first test 27-20, South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus was humble in defeat.
“It was a very well-executed drop goal that made the difference, but I’m not surprised because that is what Ireland do – it is why they are such a consistent team,” he said.
“The best team won, and I thought the referee (Karl Dickson from England) was good tonight as well.
“We fought back from a long way, but Ireland were better than us at the end when it really mattered. But if that drop goal had been missed, then we would have been sitting here with big smiles and talking about what a good comeback to win the series 2-0,” said Erasmus.
The coach said the loss of veteran full-back Willie le Roux in the third minute due to concussion was a blow.
“Our attack functions better with Willie there. With his vision and feel for the game, and the way he links the two centres and wings very well,” Erasmus said.
– Nampa/AFP