THERE WAS NO strong emotion from Andy Farrell in the aftermath on Saturday night at Kings Park Stadium, no victorious declarations of his joy, nor any moments of giddiness and glee. He was proud of how his players dug out victory over the Springboks when it looked unlikely late on, of course. The Ireland boss gave the likes of Ciarán Frawley their dues, rightly so.
Farrell enjoyed the Irish physicality in the first half, no doubt. But he was fairly muted after what must rank as one of Ireland’s most enjoyable evenings on the pitch. Downing the back-to-back world champions on their home soil is a big achievement but Farrell was measured.
He highlighted how many errors Ireland had made in the second half, said he felt for the Springboks because it had been so close, and shared his apparent bemusement at this series not having a third game. “Look, it’s a 1-1 series draw, if you call it a series,” said Farrell. “It’s a win away from home in our last game.
” Unsurprisingly, Farrell is jealous of the Springboks and All Blacks’ plans to revive traditional Test series tours against each other every four years. With the Nations Championship on the way in 2026, Ireland won’t have any more traditional tours unless the IRFU comes up with something innovative. Still, as Farrell reflects on it in the coming weeks, he will surely see the win in Durban as the ideal way to end a long season.
Farrell never entertained the notion that his players might be tired despite a 13-m.
