Ireland player ratings vs Springboks: Indiscipline proves costly

Rugby News

by Tom Sansom

Saturday, 22 November 2025 at 19:52

byTom Sansom

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Ireland player ratings vs Springboks: Andy Farrell's men were bullied as South Africa emerged victorious in Dublin.

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The first half exploded into action as South Africa opened the scoring in the fourth minute through Damian Willemse, following a rolling maul and a quick backline break. Controversy followed with Ireland’s James Ryan receiving a red card for a high tackle, canceling a Tadhg Beirne try.

South Africa also had a try disallowed for a forward pass, but Cobus Reinach eventually crossed for a try after sustained pressure. Ireland faced further challenges with multiple players in the sin bin, yet Dan Sheehan powered over for a try despite being down to 13 men.

The half concluded dramatically as Andrew Porter joined the sin bin, allowing a penalty try to South Africa, leaving the score 19-7 at halftime.

In the second half, both teams traded scores amid further yellow cards. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored a solo try, while Sam Prendergast kept Ireland in contention with penalties. Despite sustained pressure from Ireland, South Africa held on to secure a 24-13 victory.

Ireland: 13

South Africa: 24

Ireland player ratings vs Springboks

15. MACK HANSEN 7.5 (OFF 64)

Great carry to go alone for a 6th-minute run before shipping the ball out to Tommy O'Brien for the controversial hit into touch. Once again wearing two types of Canterbury boots, Hansen put the fancy footwear to work with smart up-and-under kick chases from his newfound role as fullback. Won his fair share of high-ball contests for a starring role at the back. Moved out to the wing after Tommy O'Brien was withdrawn for a HIA, showcasing his versatility.

14. TOMMY O'BRIEN (OFF 34') 6.5

Took a heavy double tackle into touch with Pieter-Steph du Toit before Sacha Feingberg-Mngomezulu led with his shoulder for a high shot, igniting a mass brawl after just six minutes. Put his body on the line for a fearless tackle on Canan Moodie, taking a high shot to the head in the process. The hit was hard to watch as the TMO reviewed the collision, which ultimately went against O'Brien. He was then subbed out for a HIA.

13. GARRY RINGROSE 6.5

Back in action after two weeks away with a sprained hamstring, Ringrose was immediately involved with slick passing and imposing carries. Tried to break up the Springboks’ rigidity with kicks to the backfield that tested the men in green and gold. Not a starring role in this drama-fuelled fixture, but a welcome return to the Aviva.

12. BUNDEE AKI 5.5

Started the night with a solid turnover after just two minutes. The Connacht man made his customary carries and interlocked well with plenty of nice touches. Put in a fierce carry leading to Dan Sheehan's score, pinning the Springboks back on their line.

11. JAMES LOWE 7

A clear tactic was unveiled early, as Gibson-Park found James Lowe out wide with looping miss passes, before the wing kicked along the touchline. Some brilliant early carries imposed his physical edge.

10. SAM PRENDERGAST 7.5

Started his night with a fine backfield gather before side-stepping the Springboks man in pursuit. A 9th-minute kick cleared Irish danger and calmed the nerves. Solid kicks to touch once again showcased his reliability. Missed his first goal attempt but was sent to the sin bin after Ireland gave away too many penalties, returning later to strike a well-taken penalty. Turned his back to Sacha Feingberg-Mngomezulu's line-break and try.

9. JAMISON GIBSON-PARK 6

Started with long looping passes to James Lowe and ran the Irish attack with vigour. A long pass at the 12th minute was almost intercepted. Missed his tackle on Sacha Feingberg-Mngomezulu that opened the door for a try but nailed a 50-22 to clear Ireland from danger at 52 minutes.

1. ANDREW PORTER 7 (OFF 60)

Turned over at the breakdown for an early penalty, with the Springboks quick to recover. Threw his weight behind some clattering hits in midfield and brilliantly halted a 29th-minute rolling maul bound for the try line. Spent 10 minutes in the bin for illegally halting a scrum. Emptied the tank in scrums, made a key hold-up before exiting at the hour mark, and returned briefly as Paddy McCarthy served his sin bin.

2. DAN SHEEHAN (OFF 55') 6

An eighth-minute line-out was adjudged either not straight or illegally disrupted. Despite some wobbles, Sheehan was impactful up front with a strong first-half scrum. Scored just before half-time despite Ireland being down to 14 men.

3. TADHG FURLONG 7 (OFF 60)

Good tackles in the loose, dropping his height well as tight-head prop. Solid scrum performance against the Boks. Received a talking-to for an early shove at the 30th-minute scrum. Passionate as Ireland battled for set-piece dominance, with heart-on-sleeve roars to the crowd. Missed Cobus Reinach on a try.

4. JAMES RYAN 4

Bundled over by a powerful opening maul, leaving Ireland backpedaling for the opening score. Malfunctioned at the 17th-minute line-out as Eben Etzebeth imposed his aerial threat. In hot water for a no-arms clear-out on Malcolm Marx, cancelling Tadhg Beirne’s try and receiving a 20-minute red card after a bunker review.

5. TADHG BEIRNE 7.5

Solid contribution in the first quarter. Ever-present in defence, unfortunate to have his try cancelled by James Ryan. Made a great ball-winning hit on the 22nd minute.

6. RYAN BAIRD 5 (OFF 60)

Worked hard in the loose. Beaten in the air on a couple of occasions but drew an airborne penalty from RG Snyman. Exited after a physical clash, not a standout performance.

7. JOSH VAN DER FLIER 6

Ireland fans were delighted to see him back at the Aviva, usually at the bottom of a ruck. Made a key carry in the build-up to Dan Sheehan’s score. Adapted as Porter and McCarthy rotated due to sin bins.

8. CAELAN DORIS (C) 6

Explosive in carries and involved at the gain line. Sometimes over-eager, with a 28th-minute hit adjudged offside.

SUBSTITUTES

16. RONAN KELLEHER (ON 55')

Struggled in scrums early as Ireland gave away repeated penalties.

17. PADDY MCCARTHY (ON 39', 60) 5

Came on for Porter’s yellow card, withdrawn when Porter returned, then returned at the hour mark. Sent to the sin bin after repeated scrum penalties.

18. FINLAY BEALHAM (ON 60) 6

Struggled with early scrums, collapsed a Springboks scrum on his 5m, but was adamant in getting involved on the front foot.

19. CIAN PRENDERGAST 7

Came on before the break to replace James Ryan. Made a massive turnover on his own try line at the 56th minute. Explosive off the bench, with gutsy defence and solid attack.

20. JACK CONAN (ON 60) 6

Spent first 10 minutes stabilizing the scrum, then contributed with tackles and loose play. Not starring, but solid.

21. CRAIG CASEY (ON 72) 5

Came on for the closing moments as Ireland fought to the end.

22. JACK CROWLEY 7.5

Replaced Tommy O'Brien as a HIA replacement. Sent to the sin bin for playing the ball out of Cobus Reinach's hands. Rescued two second-half tries and made several key clearances.