Ireland v South Africa Rugby Union

Years, opened the doors to their gleaming new stadium. -- two years

ago. There Ireland closed -- opened the doors to their gleaming new

Pat Lam be. Kirschner. A big gap opens up. The simplest of tries for

But it's not like the Irish to miss out on a party, especially when

sticks for Ireland. It will require a moment of magic, and it may

require a moment of luck, but he A chance for Ireland to tie, but

the margins in international rugby But that loss was something of a

blip against South Africa. The a have won three of their last four

games against the Springboks -- Recent form has left the Irish

reeling. Heavy defeat to England in the Six Nations and a record 60-0

It's always tough against the touring Springboks. In 2010 they

And Ireland coach Declan Kidney needs improvement quickly. He's in

the final year of his contract and Ireland are in danger of dropping

out of the seeds for the World Cup He is going to have to do without

some key players, the likes of O'Driscoll missing. Jamie Heaslip

is the skipper for this one. South Africa have had injury problems,

and then Kowal was taken to hospital with -- Kowal was taken to

hospital with heart palpitations. We are in the fortunate position

this evening of nodding not one but two men who have captained Ireland

with distinction. And the man who 10 years ago captain Ireland for

the very first time. -- captained got it! Willie score? Of course he

I'd forgotten just how many hairstyle to have been through over

the years. Those highlights could go on and on. Wellcome, Brian

O'Driscoll. I'm sure you don't want to be here, because I think you

would want every experience of Test rugby you could have.

preference would obviously be to be out there this evening, but these

things happen in a tough game and sometimes you have to sit it out.

It is hard viewing knowing that their games are running out as you

get older, but such is life. That kind of innocuous injury, he looked

like, but what actually happened? had a sore ankle with a ligament

issues previously and I got caught, as you say, innocuously, and I

tried to run it off, and an eyesore the specialist and realised I had

torn my ligaments. -- I saw a specialist. Hopefully back for the

Six Nations. A that is the plan. That was part of the reasoning

behind getting it done while I did. There was the possibility of

playing on, but it could have caused havoc for the rest of the

season. So we decided to pull the trigger and get it done. He didn't

do too badly when he took over your captaincy, did he? He is a softie.

I can't believe he has missed so many games! The whole game in

Ireland changed when he took over. He came into the squad with great

possibility and he has led the team so well. It was a disappointing

Phum -- summer for Ireland, and that record defeat in Hamilton has

been much talked about. The papers are full of how the team has to

come back and build up some morale and get something out of the series.

I said at the time it was the tour from hell. If you look at the

second Test, only a three. Margin, and there was a chance, but this is

the end of playing for the Ireland team and I think they are under

huge pressure. Eventually they collapsed. I don't think that is

reflective of what the team can play. It was embarrassing. They

have to make certain they get past it. I don't think they will be

thinking about it, because no team will be thinking of things like

that, but by the same token they wanted play properly back on the

international stage. Let's look at the Features coming up. South

Africa, then feature -- let's look at the fixtures coming up, South

Africa then Fiji. The Argentinians won earlier today, they came up of

a good championship, they will be tough going. It is all to do with

the points for the top eight ranking. It's not going to get any

easier than this evening. Incredulously, the ranking for the

groups will be taking place in December. So you have to get in the

top eight if you want to avoid being in a group with two of the

superpowers. We need to be in the second tour. -- second here. And we

will find out in the final week if that is to happen and if Ireland

have to beat Argentina to do it. But it puts on the additional

pressure for the team and the coach. You absolutely one to make certain

you have a good enough group to progress in the World Cup. Declan

Kidney knows it could be a pivotal series for him. Sonja McLaughlan

spoke to them earlier. If you're only as good as your last game,

where does that leave Ireland? have a bit of catching up to do.

It's just nice to be getting back on the pitch again. How would you

describe the size of the task to face today, bearing in mind the

sheer number of players missing and the quality of the opposition?

is usually pretty big again South Africa, but now it is enormous. We

have fresh faces coming in but you look, good side. There will be less

analysis for South Africa because there is less footage, and if the

boys go out and be themselves, we could be knocking on the door.

you concerned about a psychological hangover from New Zealand?

because of the way we have prepared. We addressed it and these guys, for

once it is a long time to go without a game, so we are Keith to

get going -- for months is a long time. How big a day is it for Jamie

Heaslip, not just in the ball carrying capacity, but as a new

captain? It is massive and if you John a for him. Any time a person

gets to captain their country, it is a special date for him -- a huge

honour. We have been working forward to this day. We knew that

Brian and Best might not be around, but maybe not talk on the same day!

There are injuries to all of the home nations as this is the kind of

part of the season when people pick them up. This is the quality of

players missing. 365 caps missing from this starting line-up. Names

that would be on the team-sheet. Absolutely on the team-sheet. It is

unconscionable to think of an Irish team without them almost. But you

do need to bring new leaders through and new players to fill in

the positions. Declan said he did not expect it all happen at once,

but it is now. For a chunk of those players it will happen over the

next two years, they won't play many more internationals, even if

they'd like to. You have to prepare and plan and the succession is

something that has to happen. It is difficult when you have a

generation of players who have delivered so often for Ireland. You

don't want to move them on, but that is where the balances. At the

same time, South Africa have a huge amount of injuries. We are not

retiring you early, but these players coming through, there have

been calls to integrate them and get them into some international

experience without it coming all the sudden. It does seem like quite

a few of them will be blooded together. I suppose they have to

see it as their chance. Aynho Declan is keep on pushing through

the middle management and taking the best players who saw their that

have been around a while and trying to bring the middle management so

guys like Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble, of the guys who have been

around a long time, for them to be able to stand up to know they are

leaders in the absence of important players. Jamie Heaslip is the

leader today. Good captaincy material? He has a great record at

Leinster. He has been telling everyone about it. It's going to be

a big test to keep that going today. He is the obvious choice. The

experience he has, and the way he plays the game and the way he wants

to lead from the front. It's important to have the captain in

the pack in particular, because that is where it will be one.

key element for Jamie is he is one of the players they rely upon. He

is not just a captain on his own. There is a level underneath him

they need to be depended on. I know it took me quite a while to learn

that. You can't do everything yourself. He has to learn that

quickly. We talk about new caps and new people to the country likes of

Michael Bent, and it's not his fault the system allows him to do

this, but he's got off the plane and into the squad. It is that he

suddenly flies in and he's wearing an Ireland jersey. He is entitled

to play, and it is within the rules of the game that he can play by his

grandparents. Bet is it what it says about the state of Irish

rugby? -- but is it? We have known for 12 years or more. The have or

shortage of tight-head props. The Mike Ross is now indispensable, but

we need to be churning out players who are indispensable. It is not

the hardest place on the field, but you have to have the best, and

there has been no succession planning at all. And it is

transferring that undoubted success at Heineken Cup level, domestic

leagues, that Ireland have not been able to do in the last few years.

It's difficult to look back and see the success of 2009, because it is

three years ago and we have to create something new again. It is

about trying to harness what the provinces have done right in the

Heineken Cup, and being in the hunt every year. We have to make sure we

can transfer that into the international set-up and start

winning again. Aynho that it is -- I know that it is President

Ahmadinejad games in a row that we have not had a victory, -- Eighties

We need to get a good performance today. They will be very focused on

the performance for Ireland, looking at the scoreboard and

wandering about that. That should keep it ticking over.

interesting contest with Strauss against Strauss. Tell us a bit

about the South African who was making his debut as a hooker.

a converted none the seven. He was told he would not make it in the

back-row in South Africa, so he converted to hooker. He has been a

revelation over the last number of years, an integral part of the set-

up, he is now had been resident for a few years, and we do keep

mentioning the loopholes, but we have to be aware that it has been

done in Australia and New Zealand four years, so we are no different

to the southern hemisphere nations. We can't be feeling guilty for it.

He is going to be in a huge role. And a great opportunity to play.

will be an interesting area to watch because Ireland's line-out

He is a fantastic player. But that first season, he had a bit of a dip

but he is back again this season. He throws well, he is not a very

big man, but his work rate is phenomenal and he does for a large

amount and is very accurate. Over to the other dressing room and two

the thought of a man who has had issues to deal with, the South

African coach, Heyneke Meyer. how is the Beast? He was off to

hospital this morning with heart palpitations. It is a setback, his

health comes first. We have a great medical team who took good care of

him, he has been released and is in good spirits. A setback, but I am

happy he is healthy. And how lot of a setback to what you were hoping

to achieve upfront? -- and how much of a setback. It is a setback, but

we have experienced players be can show what they can do and have

never let the team down. But to lose Tendai Mtawarira it is a great

setback. You have great players missing, how difficult has it been

to prepare for this for next game? It has been a difficult start as a

coach. A lot of experience out and we have lost six players summit has

been a tough, and Ireland is a quality side. But there is a lot of

excitement and a great feel in the team, so they can show today what

they can do and it is great for the future. It has been tough but I am

excited to see them play. Ireland fans will know a lot about

this player, Ruan Pienaar, who plays for Ulster. He has made a big

impression. He has been excellent since he arrived. I might have

questioned at them a bit coming over, wondering what it would be

like in Belfast, but he has been fantastic for them. He has guided

them and he has got them playing a great game. He can mix between 9

and 10 and that gives great options, so he will be a big player for

South Africa. It is good for Irish rugby to bring in players of that

quality. And he has brought players with him. At provincial level, it

becomes important to have a mixture. Ulster have been phenomenal.

defensive play is sometimes not the most flamboyant, bigger stopped at

the halfway line, but that is not an issue, he gets them from

everywhere. He was quiet for the first six months when he came to

the province, but he has come out of his shell and is popular in the

squad. And likewise within the South Africans got, and he has

become a better bulk -- a pivotal character. Pivotal characters

missing Falk South Africa, not least... They are coming out now.

Something about the South Africans, they look fearsome! The battle will

be up front today. And they are huge! It is not just the green,

that never made us look so large! They are big, meaty men and every

game you play against them is based in physicality. It is brutal and

heavy hitting and very hard all the time. You have to get them away

from that strength, they are colossal compared to the Irish.

That does not mean they will believe the Irish. They have not

had a great time of late and Ireland's record against them is

good, winning three of the last four, so they will not be afraid.

We talked about the embarrassment in New Zealand, but these guys will

be delighted that they can get back out and try and put things right.

No greater talent than to try and take on one of the best teams in

the world, South Africa. They have injury issues but I think we have a

big performance tonight and it is about how we start. If we can get

stuck in the first 10 minutes and sowed the seed of doubt in their

heads, we can definitely get a positive result. Declan Kidney is

under pressure with less than a year on his contract, does he let

that affect the way he performs? He always seems contained after

matches. I have been involved in teams with him for up to 10 years

and am still trying to work him out! He definitely has his own way

of doing things up but this week, you will have prepared the boys for

a great performance. And if we can get at least priority up front,

that could set the foundations for the back line to do something, and

we need to get the ball so -- the ball To players like a Keith Earls

and Tommy Bowe, because there are few better players in world rugby.

The party has started. It is going to be just shire of capacity at the

Aviva Stadium. We can hear now from one of the men who would be on that

picked up where it not for injury. European a Player of the Year Rob

Kearney. -- European player. would love to be playing fullback,

we were just chatting and as the South Africans ran out and you said,

there are some big men! How fear for are you for Ireland with so

many players missing? -- how fearful. It is not ideal to miss so

many players but sport can be cruel at times. Back it will give good

opportunities for younger players to come in and what greater

opportunity here at the Aviva Stadium. It is a big afternoon for

Zebo, who is playing in your position, he has never played that

before, what can he bring to that position? In will be a big test,

but he has a large amount of ability -- it will be. A lot of

speed, great acceleration. He is good in the back and has a big left

boot and that is probably a white Declan has selected him at. --

probably why. He is hoping it goes well! And would you be telling

Heyneke Meyer to fire the high ball at the him? I think he will expect

that, that is the game plan Africa come with. They try and put you

under pressure and playing your half and try and get physical with

you. He is going to expect that and know they are coming, so hopefully

he can get the first one in. you have had surgery on your back?

I am doing well, two weeks over surgery and I am moving around

again on the road to recovery. The hard part is over so I had to be

back in about eight, 10 weeks. look forward to that!

At about this time, Brian, you get ready for you Hoddle, what do you

say in those final moments? usually bring the crowd into it and

say, you need to give them something to get them behind you,

particularly at home. Give them a big hit for a big Paris and get

them on board. You Love of that yourselves -- or a big carry to get

them on board. But you can live off that. They are a team of phases and

get multiple phases. You need to break them down and get them out of

position. Will there be a feeling of greater pressure coming Gough

that result in Hamilton? This really counts. We had this meeting

a couple of months ago and we put a lot of New Zealand behind us. I

think we buried that and you have to. I think they are definitely

thinking positively and feel as though they have earned to their

positions. I think you might see a few guys with big performances.

performances needed, but eight of this team did not play and that

match. It is about getting some of these young players again and

making sure they stack up. We have not mentioned Zebo playing out of

position at. He has had a injuries and has just sparked into Highfield.

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We have the presidential salutes A great atmosphere come out let's

hope the rugby will match it. I am going to hand you over to our

commentary team, Philip Matthews Thank you, at a wonderfully still

light here at the Aviva Stadium. At the smoke from the fireworks has

sad that we can, and that is because ears. Simon Zebo comes in

at full-back - he sounds pretty South African, and that is because

palpitations. There will be a lot of heavy booting from this three-

quarter line, it is suspected. But in Zane Kirchner and JP Pietersen

that they have some flair. Michael Bent, fresh on the plane from New

Zealand, straight on to the Irish Bente should -- bench. Such is the

nature of Irish rugby and their tight-head props. Ireland, in the

change strip. They are not the green team today, that is South

Africa. The referee is the Dublin is about to get underway,

Ireland against South Africa, two teams desperate to make amends at

the end of the year in which they Ireland in black against the

is Declan Kidney going to do with the cards he was dealt? When he

looks at the side, he won't have many options. All I can do is play

with tempo, it a three-quarter line he has to move around the park and

the has not got the weight on his side. There has to be some counter-

Ulsterman, the former Ospreys man, element to the South African side,

with Ruan Pienaar. Panama were is a Curran Leinster player -- van der

engagement routine, but the Irish players have been playing with this

all season. They give away the free-kick. Zebo's left boot. It is

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opportunities for Ireland there. Some fairly poor Kuyt -- kicking

from South Africa. If they are going to struggle with the set

pieces, then counter-attacking of the kicking is going to be a big

part of the game. We would like to see a bit more commitment to that

and keeping the ball in hand. Keith Earls opting to kick the ball, but

a decent start and they are into the game. Richard Strauss, no

sooner as he started his career, he Cronin has been a tremendous player

at hooker, so he will fill in that out in New Zealand, so they will

look for him to show some leadership there. Sexton has

drilled Ireland to within five metres. Conor Murray is issuing

some instructions. They are in no hurry to get to the line-out. The

that is so because South Africa have interfered. Vermeulen. The No.

8. You can see the Jamie Heaslip was interfered with by its

Vermeulen. -- interfered with by 250 points in international rugby.

His 14 at short -- he is 14 short. That will be an interesting battle

between him and Pat Lam be. Sexton is looking like someone so young,

Dublin against South Africa. sense that Ireland will have to

take all the chances presented to them, particularly early on. They

will want to build a bit of a lead if they can and try to get South

Africa on the back foot a little running at a good tackle by Darcy.

early, and Ireland and another penalty. That is good event --

defence by the Irish forwards. They are keeping upright and going for

the turnover. Strauss went to ground quickly. He must have

slipped. But that is encouraging. You would expect that South Africa

might have had the edge in the contact zone, but if anything

trajectory from Sexton, but it will It is all very slow. I'd like to

see a bit more tempo in the line- out. Maybe just giving South Africa

a bit too much time to react. That up again, and it is a penalty

against South Africa for offside. That was another poor kick. He has

really not found his range at also far. Ireland need to be making the

Jonathan Sexton has indicated he is comeback on. -- ready to come back

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true. Jonathan Sexton's second penalty. Ronan O'Gara who has over

1000 points in Test rugby looks on approvingly. 6-0 in favour of the

home side. Rich hot Strauss's back on. Abated in discipline in kicking

-- rich heart Strauss -- a bit of time in their own 22. Both times

Conor Murray has elected for the Gary Owen, and the second one found

him into touch. This is where Ireland have looked strong in the

set-piece, and they will not want to let South Africa get into any

kind of rhythm and play off this line-out. Nobody is in a rush to do

anything. Adriaan Strauss taking before it gets going, and it is a

forward pass. It is the Springboks looking like the ring rusty side.

They came into the series of the back of a championship and maybe a

bit of momentum, but an obvious forward pass from the Villiers.

Ireland need to make the most of back in the middle of the field. A

chance to bring Tommy Bowe into very dynamic in place. A penalty

He needed to get away and maybe Africa will have a goal at goal, a

always think, but they have gone for line-out. Be fancy their

chances. I do not know if there is complacency -- they fancy. But that

is the case, Ireland need to make the most of it. But no sign of any

Fine knock-on advantage to Ireland. So that set piece goes wrong for

Lambie it was the last one to touch it with his head. I would like to

have seen that go through another phase. I think the South African

side are here for the taking. There are among a group in front of

Strauss. -- among the group. South Africa steal one on the Irish

throws. And Jonathon Sexton recovered well to make that tackle

injured in midfield and it penalty advantage is being played to South

Africa. -- a penalty. That is a good tackle and it could be a good

steel. No advantage. It will be a South African penalty and it is

Mike McCarthy who is offside. first mistake free momentum South

Africa have had. It turned up an opportunity. But Ireland were good

at the breakdown and good work by Cian Healey, who is probably one of

the more high eight impact players, having come into this game without

the likes of Stephen there is -- high impact players. He will want

to make that up a bit. He will have to work harder and win the ball

opposite number, Pat Lambie. It is good! And Ireland are in the lead,

6-3. Not a very fast games so far, the first time Africa have had very

-- the first time South Africa have had continuity. Ireland want to get

some speed into this. It is this period of the game when Ireland

needs to start building up a lead because South Africa of their for

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the taking. They cannot believe how lovely inside ball from Ireland. We

said we wanted to see the Ireland back three working together. An

opportunity to create that kind of partnership. And I think playing

against South Africa, it is a good team to do that against because

they will give you a lot of good opportunities. I am sure that has

been in their mind throughout the week during their preparation for

successful with the first to. -- the first two. And that is Heyneke

Stadium! Jonathon Sexton's third penalty. Island-nine, South Africa-

three. -- Ireland. And that is a good lead and they deserve it.

I think the South African team are here for the taking and Ireland

just need to not let the South need to be more conscious of their

territory than the possession. That is the territory almost exactly the

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Africa are not committed enough men to the break down. -- committing.

They seem to be waiting for that ball to be put back to them rather

than doing the hard work first. Ireland's back row, particularly

Chris Henry, they are committing themselves to the breakdown and

that has resulted in those penalties, three which they have

converted. South Africa have Chris Henry now straight in at. And South

Africa have Francois Louw as their open-side. They are big men in that

side who do not get to the ground so quickly. Again and is more based

around ball-carrying from the breakdown. -- they gain. -- their

game. And Ireland make their way back on! It was ripped off him! And

this time, it is Ireland who are penalised. The players were going

into contact and getting a bit isolated. Against a team like South

Africa, you want to be going in with some support, they are so good

at the contact. Chris Henry was going in and his support needs to

be a lot tighter if he is going to take on players like Eben Etzebeth.

They managed to see all that off, they were well supported. This is

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bad news for South Africa. Eben touchline, Rob Kearney? What was

most important for Ireland was to ease themselves into the game up.

They have done that really well, the penalties have been taken well

by Jonathan Sexton and we got on top. The breakdown is the key area

and South Africa not committing the numbers they should be, even though

we expect that a lot from their games., very well done, beautiful

ball on the floor. If you get isolated again South Africa, they

will turn you over very quickly. -- against. I would like to see more

of that from Ireland, looking to get the ball into that space, but

they need to support the runners. A pass back inside has been cut off

by Keith Earls, he was looking for it but could not get it away.

foot work to beat Francois Hougaard. Strauss again taking his time. We

need to get again going. -- to get ball. Eben Etzebeth is at the tail.

New laws for them, they have five seconds to play it when the referee

says. And after all that deliberation, it is a penalty to

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Ireland for the whole defence. -- It came from a quick penalty from

Conor Murray. South Africa getting a bit frustrated, and that is good

for Ireland. They have been frustrating them at the breakdown.

The that is exactly what Ireland want to see, and to time that with

increasing the tempo and getting South Africa on the back foot, that

is where Ireland will want them. is the second time Jonathan Sexton

has been down. Francois Hougaard is to play offside. -- the player

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offside. I think this is where he something going at right wing and

full-back. -- gazebo -- Zebo. are probably to have a kind in many

respects, and that is what we like Sexton. For the neutral observer,

you have to say that Ireland have got a real chance of taking the

game by the scruff of the neck. No side has really done it yet. They

now find themselves in the lead by nine points and South Africa could

Chris Henry. He came in like a flying missile. A Chris Henry, I

O'Mahoney is involved. You would have to be careful about taking on

Peter O'Mahony. He could probably give about three yellow cards, not

just for the tackle, but for the afters as well. That is South

African frustration spilling over into aggression, that is all that

is. I think Wayne Barnes needs to get a hold of this. One way is to

send JP Pietersen into the bin. He may have got away with it. No arms,

a direct shoulder charge. That has to be yellow card. I think it has

already been given. Taking a man without the ball, if that is what

you're flagging for. They have got the winger playing the man without

the ball, anything to add? OK, my decision, that player goes to the

heading for the bin. He had to go involved, but not in the way Brian

O'Driscoll was talking about. That tackle by Pietersen has really got

the crowd on their feet, and that has given a bit of edge to Ireland

as well. It is funny what it takes a warm-up game up. It did need

something. South Africa are frustrated with themselves, they

are not committing men to the breakdown. They are kicking early

and not turning over. They are Pienaar or -- lambs for Ruan

Pienaar. South Africa very ragged in the first half. They are not

clicking at all. The one area where they have dominance is the line-out

but have they won one of their own are they get the penalty. -- Irish

scrum. That is not going to help the South African frustration, is

it? Ireland starting to get on top there. That is really going to put

the South African eight on the back Sexton, but Ireland will have his

line-out. A healthy 12-3 lead in this half. They need to start very

near to or shortening it, either way they have to make the South

well. Up goes the kick from Murray. That is beautifully taken by Ruan

Pienaar. Disappointing for Pienaar to take that so easily. Ireland

Neelie not able to get a good line- out and they were not able to budge

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just in the South African half -- has see? The ball from the boot has

not been good. He has had precious little to do, because they have not

had to do anything seriously with territory. The anything he has been

asked to do has been kicking and he's not on his day -- the only

attacking, fluid player, but it's penalty advantage or Ireland. -- to

Ireland. They have given away the penalty and have allowed one of

there is no advantage, chuck the ball three yards forward. Simon

Zebo saying, "oh, dear". The that says it all. Ireland taking on the

South African aid. They should not be at all intimidated, not this

South African eight. That was a loose pass. Very little on. Not

much of an overlap. They will gratefully take the three points if

will be rushing this. The whole game has been played at a

pedestrian pace. Between every set- piece it has been very laboured. It

is certainly not All Blacks pace. No, it is not. You can say that

both teams are tentative, and you can understand Ireland wanting to

ease themselves in, but I would have thought South Africa would

have wanted to start the game very much the way they finished the

championship, with real pace and impose themselves physically, but

they have not done that because of errors and a lack of commitment to

a few seconds left. We will have time for the 20 to drop out. -- 22

seconds. South Africa swap their forwards to the other side of the

field -- beating up a few more holding on. Good work there. One-

on-one with Jamie Heaslip. He tackled him and got up quickly.

not want to concede anything. They want to take the 12-3 lead into

a lack of discipline by Chris Henry, he has given South Africa and

option. I do not think Pat Lambie can reach that but he will have a

go. Ruan Pienaar can certainly reach it. That is the 10 metre line

in his own half, I wonder if even Ruan Pienaar had the length for

this! I think this is just to get us until half-time. If to avoid the

tongue-lashing they are going to get! -- to avoid. The South African

coach is not going to be happy with this first half performance. I am

sure this is not the way he had player, he plays nine, he plays 10,

he plays anywhere, but can he kick changing rooms. Jonathon Sexton

goes the same way and he will be very happy because his four

penalties mean that Ireland are After the fireworks off the pitch,

it took time to get going and it was that man, Jonathon Sexton. He

took all the chances, and that is what Ireland did well in the first

half. They took their chances. Pat Lambie was not having a good day

for us of African. Ireland were up in the kicking game. There were

fireworks towards the end of the second half and Pietersen was sent

to the sin-bin. There was not much change. So Ireland are in the lead.

Rob Kearney is on the touchline. Ireland are probably happy with

that lead at half-time. They had a lot to prove after what happened in

New Zealand over the summer, have they gone some way to answering

their critics? If absolutely, a nine-point lead is a good result.

- absolutely. We will not have proved a critics wrong until full-

time but we are going well. South Africa are not playing well but

that is not taking anything from Ireland, we are doing everything

well and implementing it a stronger game plan. We need a try! To be

fair to Ireland, we are trying to play rugby and play at a quick pace.

We are not picking a lot of ball soaked if some -- so if one team

looks to score, it will be us. South Africa are proud and people

in that part of the world will not be proud of the first half,

underwhelmed? After this season they have had, they have not

fulfilled their potential. -- after this season they have had. The

first 40 minutes they have had here have illustrated the same. They are

not fulfilling their physicality, they are not good at the breakdown.

They must do better in the second half. Does this they need an

injection of speed? That is EDF -- that is easier said than done, the

referee has called the few penalty, there have been handling the

mistakes, so it is difficulty when there are not the opportunities,

but hopefully we will see more rugby in the second half.

Folk for the statistics are interesting, South Africa have

conceded 11 penalties to Ireland's four penalties -- the statistics.

And more tackles made by them, 56 for South Africa at and 35 for

Ireland, is that an indication of the first half? It was fairly

lacklustre and very one-paced. A bit of invention from Ireland, but

for South Africa, and no pace. -- no pace. And they did not have

enough players coming game at which is why they gave away penalties,

that is down to pace and attitude. Ireland making the most of

opportunities and Jonathon Sexton did well. They are trying to play

and they are the side looking to play the most rugby. It has turned

into a bit of a non affair as there has not been a lot, but we have

kicked well from the ground. Jonathan Sexton and Zebo, they have

kicked well to contest. We are finding the ground and we are

getting a good pace so that is a good aspect of our games.

Jonathon Sexton of his closing again on that 250 points and did

not do ruck had -- and did not do much wrong today. This is a good

kick. And he is showing great leadership qualities and he is

making sure everybody is ready to over, he is very composed. When he

gets into a river no, I know he has missed one, but he can be a world

class goal kick head -- a reference. -- rhythm. There is not a lot of

Play macro. We all start talking about the Lions tour early, there

is a lot between now and then. let's look at the aggression from

a disciplined and for the first by making the tackle, it is up to him

not to put his hands on the ball and Ireland are good at that.

good aspect is trying to police yourself so when a referee is

calling hands-off, it is other guys telling him to let go and getting

into the defensive line. We have only given away four penalties and

that is a big testament to them. Against South Africa, they are

going to kick a lot and they take their chances from the ground. They

We have to continue with that left all that level of discipline and

not let them back in the game, and if we continue with that positive

mindset, we can have a chance. the position for Zebo, normally a

winger, he is in fullback, what do you make of him? He has looked

composed, it is nerve-racking. He is out of position. He knew the

ball would be in the air for him all day but he is going to have a

wants the chance to run. He has been one of the real bright sparks

in this first half. Mack he has been excellent this year and that

is probably why he has been picked officio -- he has been excellent.

If he continues like that, he might have open field and see what he is

made of. He is powerful and a big guy. I did not realise he was 6 ft

Get the ball to him and we could cause trouble. There was a break on

the far side and Tommy Bowe carried the ball 20 yards and it got

everybody going. You realised they had not been a lot of that.

need something to ignite the crowd and you want that to be great

skills. There was little of that. What energised them was a player

this is staffed! Team-mates will protect that own player, but this

is handbag stuffed. -- stuff. That was a silly yellow card. He only

had eyes for Chris Henry and he got his timing wrong, so he deserves

his time at in the sin-bin. crowd hate seeing that? That was

I think he was just making a big impact to get them going and he

realised they were a bit lacklustre so wanted to make the impact and

get them on the front foot, but he got his timing wrong! The ball was

behind his head so he was not looking at the ball, but that is

not good play! Not been a great week for him so far! And not been a

great start for Wales. Based suffered a big defeat earlier today

to Argentina -- based suffered. It Argentina. -- a try. -- try. The

Welsh will be worried about their defence and Argentina come here in

two weeks. Wales had a disappointing summer, a washout in

Australia. They will be disappointed by that. They will not

have expected that result. When Argentina get in front, they are a

They are a very tight-knit team and you see a lot of Argentinian

players not playing well for their club, but they always play well for

Argentina. It will be tough in two weeks' time here so it is important

to get the result this evening. can get highlight of England's

match against Fiji from 7pm tonight. They are looking to hold on to a

top four seeding ahead of those doors in December. And Scotland

looking to overturn years of Coverage starts on BBC One tomorrow.

Who does most of the talking in an Ireland dressing room? You go end

and have a drink and have some time to yourself, the defensive coach

comes in, the attack coach comes in, Declan Kidney says something and

the captain Bory senior player says the last few minutes. -- or a

senior player. Take it in five minutes segments. It was similar in

my day, and you keep your concentration. You can get ahead of

yourself very quickly. You do not want to not having -- you do not

want to not have concentration in the second half. We did not mention

your predictions of a two. Victory for Ireland, both of you. If you

give it to me now, I will take that. South Africa have to come back,

they have not played any rugby so far. They need a better second half

and Ireland need to do the same. Ireland need to be aware that South

Africa will have a purple patch at some point in the second half. They

need to make sure they do not come at us. And we can go back to our

commentary team, Eddie Butler and to three. Will they change their

ways and increase the speed and not allow frustration to creep in?

Wayne Barnes has penalised the Springboks at the breakdown in

particular. It will be interesting to see if there is evidence of what

the respective coaches have been saying at half-time, assuming the

players followed the directions. You would have expected that

Heyneke Meyer had some harsh words and you would expect some result,

particularly in the first five minutes, from both teams.

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Lambie starts the second half at wonderful tackle by Mike McCarthy.

He has been, by some distance, South Africa's most physical player.

That looks like Cian Healy tapping assessment. Ruan Pienaar on the

counter, and Keith Earls on the tackle, assisted by Conor Murray.

don't know if he was getting up in an offside position, but Cian Healy

is going on for the concussion assessment. -- going off. It is

good to see that coming into the game now. David Kilcoyne comes on.

corner. It is a key moment for Ireland. They don't want to let

South Africa get back into the game and get a psychological upper hand,

so to speak. They will want to plays in. Adriaan Strauss has the

ball, and may have given away the penalty. They need to get more

players into that. The seas the South African response. Give it

some grind up front, and it will work, and a new penalty. A third

new penalty, and it could be the just to get away with a penalty. No,

they haven't. Jamie Heaslip has been yellow-carded and sent to the

bin. Three offences, and No. 8 was the last one. Loud and Clear by

Wayne Barnes. Three offences in attack and start pushing back, but

they didn't put enough people into it. They haven't conceded three

points, but by losing Jamie Heaslip they might have conceded more in

the long run. I don't suppose you'll see much more than the same

again. Adriaan Strauss to throw. JP Pietersen is back on for South

African, why on the far side. -- South Africa. -- way you on the far

They have taken it down. The ball is out of play, but they will go

own. He's he held up? -- Pienaar waits for it. We will go to the 10

or -- television match official. There was like a little light bulb

flashing on penile's ahead. He saw a little bit of a gap -- Pienaar's

not see the grounding from that angle. There is downward pressure

there. Pienaar's own armies under the ball as he carries it through.

You have to assume that part of the is any reason why he cannot award

the drive. I think the top of the ball has been grounded as he has

rolled forward. You may award the try. A Yes, the ball rolled over,

try awarded. Now the chance to by the South African start to the

second half? All too easy for South Africa. They pretty much scored at

will after creating their first chance. After the relative

dominance from Ireland in the first half, they have not gone mad. They

will have to up their game another level -- they have not done that.

Ireland have gone from being 12- three go to only 12-10, but they

line-out without their captain. They are going to have to improvise

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was a poor kick by Mori, no pressure, and no chase. -- by

Murray. Pietersen took it well, but there was basically no one around

him. So, Ireland start again. will still be an Irish road towards

the halfway line. -- and Irish position in the line-out. Still

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Andrew Trimble has touched it, so that will be a South African throat.

-- throat. If has touched a cameraman, so that is why it can't

be a quick one -- it has touched a Andrew Trimble had little option.

He had no guarantee that was going in. Having it touches fingers did

not help the cause. -- touch his after the strength of the line-out.

They are playing to instructions, Ireland with a chance to run out

prove it downfield. -- roof it had got through, Ireland might have

been away, but Andrew Trimble decided to clear their lines.

think South Africa have responded well. They needed to come out and

up the tempo, and that is what they have done. There have been a few

costly. Given away, but we are seeing South Africa play to their

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Strentz -- a few costly tries given O'Mahoney, so the brawling,

battling work of the Springbok forwards is starting to take its

toll on Ireland. A chance for South Africa to take the lead. This is

where the penalty is. He has made the tackle on Francois Hougaard, a

slippery customer, but he needs to get his arms away and he has not

done it there. Ireland look like has been all South Africa in this

second half. And they have converted a 12-3 deficit into a

respond. They have got Jamie Heaslip back. They are just about

getting back, I should say. There he goes. Overall, not too bad in

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terms of points conceded with 14 and --.. And a covering tackle by

Francois Louw. And this is good so claiming a high tackle on Keith

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penalised. -- Ireland. Tommy Bowe is penalised. That is frustrating

for Ireland after a good passage of play. South Africa Op are making

the most on it and putting the pressure territory back and Ireland

-- South Africa on making. Ireland are not making the important

breakthrough. The defence has been a pretty solid forced South Africa.

-- has been pretty solid for South front row. Jannie du Plessis is

going off and Pat Cilliers is them and are trying to get in early.

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gets. It is on it a touch judge's flag from inside the Irish 22. I

think it is a late tackle on Tommy Bowe. That is probably marginal, I

thought he was tackled as he was kicking, but we might get to see

that again. Certainly not going to the second half of South Africa.

Fergus mixer -- Fergus McFadden is move, if first touch for Fergus

McFadden. -- a first touch. Tommy footwork. The and it was picked up.

Keith Earls is looking good! Ireland have earned a penalty.

Keith Earls is getting tossed around now! They want to get Keith

Earls and Zebo into those spaces, their footwork is so good. Inches

away from making that big breakthrough. Chris Henry is having

attention. Rob Kearney. I imagine the possession stakes are not

favourable for Ireland. And we are starting to get ball now and it is

important we utilise it. It is going to be a very tense and

exciting final 20 minutes. Ireland can just work back into the

lead, psychologically, they will be positive. They will think they have

something to defend and get back to where they were in the first half.

Losing the lead was a big psychological blow and if they can

get it back again, that will mean a lot and take the momentum out of

the 15 minute good spell South Africa had., they had possibly

their best movement, their best set of phases -- they had. Ireland were

penalised. How difficult when you That was a big ask. Not quite as

far as the one Ruan Pienaar missed at the end of the first half.

for Ireland. And Conor Murray is replaced. Eoin Reddan coming gone

it might be a sign that Ireland want to lift the tempo. He is

their line-out. First touch full Eoin Reddan to Jamie Heaslip. --

quarter business. This is what got South Africa back into the game and

not quickly enough! -- it is there for Eoin Reddan. The maul was

called and it needed to be immediately played but it was not,

so it is a turnover. frustrating for Ireland. South

Africa and -- it is frustrating for Ireland. South Africa have been

outstanding in that regard and kept the ball off the ground. Ireland

developed that as a skill for Austria. Pressure macro is being

sorted out for Crampers. -- CJ van der Linde. -- cramp. South Africa

are catching up. Ireland would have led with that statistic in the

first half for turnovers. Donnacha O'Callaghan is preparing to come on.

And it looks as though Donnacha Ryan it is coming off a. He has had

an important part in sorting out the Irish or line-out. This looks

like an injury replacement. -- Irish line-out. For think it may be

concussion. -- I think. He has done well, out with Mike McCarthy. Very

important at the break down. A fresh injection of energy from

Donnacha Ryan. He has been in good form recently. He is fired up! He

wants to make an impression. CJ van der Linde is replaced. He is

replaced by Van Der Merwe. They are team-mates at Leinster, they should

know each other! This is the first scrum we have seen go to ground.

Just as soon as Van Der Merwe comes on! Not saying there is any

connection. I think the reduced caused by the referee had helped

the scrums. We have not seen so many collapses this season. I have

to agree with you. I spoke too soon! That goes down. And Mike Ross

that when they meet up again in goes to ground first. -- Mike Ross.

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Alberts is coming off. And on comes in the air. That is Peter O'Mahoney

trailer. -- used the truck and trailer. Lambie will go for goal.

Ireland cannot give away cheap penalties in kicking range. Ireland

need to get themselves back into this, and they do not want to be

doing that. Difficult times for Declan Kidney. There is a growing

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reversed, so O'Callaghan is off, and Donnacha Ryan is back on. Keith,

what do Ireland have to do to get back into this? They need to mix up

the game a bit more. They kicked very well in the first half, but

they need to hold on to it because at the South African defensive play

has kept them pinned in their own half. They need to work their way

back up the field. The first thing they have to do is get out here.

Let's see what the scrum is like. We cannot give away a penalty here.

That will be in Vanda molar -- Banda molar's mind. It will be a

that should be the other way round, the Springbok scrum was going

forward. So, immediately, his shoulder is below his hips. I would

like to hear what Keith thinks of that one. The tight-head is turning

in under pressure. Mike Ross was turning in, and he was penalised.

Some props struggle against certain other props. Each prop has his own

nemesis, and maybe his team mate is and it is good. South Africa extend

There will be a triple substitution. But not yet. Part of it might be

has been better, South Africa. Ireland are going to bring on

Michael Bent, and I would suggest Mike Ross is coming off, probably

as a reaction to the last couple of scrums were Ireland have been

penalised. -- where Ireland. Here we go, the Irish bring on Michael

Bent, fresh off the plane from New Zealand. He comes on and earns

himself a cap for Ireland. South from Michael Bent. We have had a

number done on us, so what will he Villiers kicks it on, and the

knock-on by South Africa in the tackle. Well, a better scrum and

Ireland got the ball back, albeit that they were going backwards.

Bente gets another chance. Well picked up, that knock-on by Wayne

Barnes. Ian Henderson is on for his O'Mahony. -- so he has come on.

Ireland trial by four points. This is Chris Henry, on his knees,

and they earned themselves a penalty. That is a dream start for

Michael Bent. You come on as a substitute because your colleague

is getting a torrid time and you turn it around. He has proved his

deal of care about that cake. He wanted maximum distance and a

maximum gain at -- about that kick. You sense that Ireland need some

points, a penalty. They are in -- out by two penalties, but you sense

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a good second half. As has Peter defence, and he makes another

tackle. The Marcell Coetzee has because South Africa are slowing

everything down. They have done it again, and they have won the

down the first line of defence. There is Donnacha Ryan on the ball.

Very strong body position by South Africa and not enough Irishmen in

the contact area. A reversal of the -- played by international

standards at a very slow pace. There has been power in the South

African second half performance. Strauss is coming off and on comes

Cronin. There is going to be a change in the three-quarters as

well, because O'Gara comes on for half an Jonathan Sexton will move

for the small -- this malt to go on for four-and-a-half minutes, but

Pienaar sneaks up the blind side and JP Pietersen drops the past. --

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This is deep in their own half. -- within their own half. A decent

tackle, went for the ball. Able to knock it out of Zebo's hands, but

it is another turnover with South at this, and if they do see it out

and win the game, they will look back and think they had an

opportunity to put away a side who bench. Pat Cilliers, after his

treatment, comes into the Springbok front row. Time is running out for

Ireland. The clock has not not just gone, it has done that!

And not for the first time. You can see a number of areas it has been

coming away, it has not done Iain Henderson is on for Ireland.

What can he do? Will he see his keep it tight among the forwards.

And Ireland have stolen it, 1 at last chance with a one minute and a

half left on the clock! -- with a minute and a half. One last chance,

but that is their own 22! So much easier to defend when you know what

the other team are going to do. Ireland will have to keep it in

five, at Mike McCarthy! And that is an excellent tackle by

Francois Hougaard. Ireland are struggling to get the ball away,

but South Africa give away the penalty. Have Ireland got time to

make proper territorial gain under O'Callaghan are the two second row

has now. -- Donnacha Ryan. -- rows. Simon Cronin -- Sean Cronin. And

Jamie Heaslip wins it in the end for Ireland. Jean de Villiers Stott

Ireland again. -- stopped. Possession has been lost, that is

it. That was tame we've given away at the end. The referee Wayne

Barnes blows his whistle and South Africa have come to Dublin, to the

Aviva Stadium, and they have beaten Ireland by 16 points to 12. A lot

of people might have taken out before the match, but I think that

is a missed opportunity for Ireland. Maybe expectations were low coming

in to it, but we are missing the impact players and because of the

experience missing, that is not a bad result. But those players will

be disappointed. But they have found another tight bend prop,

Michael Bent came on and made a big South Africa have not always

managed to win here, but they have done it this evening!

Raised eyebrows here at two players -- raised eyebrows here, South

Africa where there for the taking. For a nine-point lead at half time,

the boys will be bitterly disappointed. You mentioned not

allowing South Africa have a purple patch, but they did exactly that

from the kick-off and played a clever game. We have introduced Rob

Kearney. He has been rescued from outside. That was a strange game in

many ways. It was, Rob Kearney's first introduction, it was a game

of two halves! Ireland played well in the first half, South Africa did

not play at all and did nothing with the ball. They came out in the

second half with a lot of energy. They were not particularly flash,

they held the ball for a long period of time and Ireland tended

to soak up that pressure at but did not do a lot themselves. - that

pressure. The fact they did not score in the second half shows you.

Before the players came out, Brian said there would be a purple patch,

it seemed to last 40 minutes. score says it all, -- the score

says it all, it cannot afford not to score in rugby and that was the

downfall on the days. We had a few opportunities but bad handling

mistakes let us down. A highlight at the end, Michael Bent? We had

just given away tight penalties and he came on and got into a good

position, very straight, did not go in at all and suddenly the

penalties started going our way and he carried the ball very well.

Zebo looked very useful. I am sure that I beside the one not

complement his game! He looked comfortable on the ball and

exciting in attack. He kicked well, so if you were to pick out a couple

of performances, Simon's was one of the few highlights. He would rather

play on the wing, so no sweat! Sonia has the Man of the Match,

Ruan Pienaar. You looked like a completely

different side in the second half, what do you put that down to?

had a terrible first half and made a lot of mistakes, of the kicking

game was not grain. The forwards made a huge step up in the second

half and we kept the ball and we forced them to make mistakes. A

very proud of the guys. -- I am very proud. Your try was the only

one of the match, it is that a concern for South Africa? No, it is

a tough place to play rugby and it is a good Irish side so that is the

least of our concerns, there are a lot of other things to work on.

Congratulations. They will be relieved but that win

because they only won two of the Ulster -- he is well for tough. He

can control games and sniffed out opportunities and he has done that.

That is where the contact had to be made. As you turn around the corner,

that is Donnacha Ryan, he has to stay attached, I he cannot go after

it. -- he cannot. Ruan Pienaar assault the movement I knew he

could sneak in. There was a lot of pressure from South Africa. It was

badly timed. It referee will always go with attacking teams. -- a

referee. He will always favour those going forward and trying to

He accused us of a couple of penalties and put a play in the

a bit harsh. The referee said there were three penalties before us.

There is nothing wrong with that. Jamie comes in and balls around the

side. It is because you are only a couple of metres from the line. The

referee says, one too many, you are going in the bin. We were arguing

it a bit but I suppose he deserved it. And how much did that affect

Losing your captain it will affect a team, a you need 15 against South

Africa at any stage -- or losing your captain. The fire it -- beside

in the first half was very different to the second half. --

the side. You cannot sit back on a score against a world-class team

like South Africa. In the end, they probably deserved that victory.

Fiji next but it is that game against Argentina that will be

important, especially with those world rankings. Like four years ago,

we are in a similar situation where it comes to around two that last

game. Those World Cup rankings are very important. They may not seem

important now but when you face the prospect of a failure forehead

consecutive week, it can make a big difference. -- for a consecutive

weeks. A possible 4th Lions tour for you, how much does it play on

your mind? There is so much talk about it so early. Having played a

few seasons now and for a few years, you realise that when it starts in

September, the Tories not going to be until June, Paris so much rugby

-- the talk is not. -- tour. Guys are going to pick up injuries and

show form so the team you pick now will not -- will look nothing like

the final team. A number of teams will be suggested. To talk about it

at this time of year, they will tighten up. They will say they his

big pressure on them, that is not what they need. You have had a

taste and you want more. You cannot think too much about it early in

the season. Players at this stage in the season, their form counts

for very little. The squad will be picked during the Six Nations and

into the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup. Within the Six

Nations, the attitude has to be for the team to do well, for Ireland to

do well, because she will get more players on the tour, that is the

way it works. -- you will get. If you start thinking individually

about playing well, good luck to you! You have to go well as a team

in Europe if you can all with the international team. It has been

great having you here and the handsome quota of the studio has