Jackson leads historic triumph SOUTH AFRICA IRELAND 20 26

FOR the second time in eight months, Irish heart overcame large-scale adversity to triumph against the odds. There was a taste of such inspired exploits at the World Cup, an Ireland decimated by in-game injuries to the talismanic trio of Paul O’Connell, Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony seeing off France. And now this, a 60-minute passage of defiant rearguard action with just 14 players following CJ Stander’s red card. Indeed, 10 of those minutes saw Ireland hold out with just 13 players after Robbie Henshaw’s sin bin. On his first outing in charge of the Springboks, Allister Coetzee’s side were as blunt as Les Bleus on that October day in Cardiff, but opposition feebleness should not take away from the merit of a victory where Joe Schmidt’s players overcame the pain of being a man short for so long. Ireland’s stoic mentality was capped off by a multitude ploughing JP Pietersen into touch to prevent him from grabbing the last-gasp try that could have stolen the win from them. The victory, built on a defence that missed just 12 per cent of its tackles, had new defence coach Andy Farrell’s trademark all over it, but Ireland’s first away win over South Africa had much to do with Paddy Jackson’s variety and invention. He made light of his novice Test-level status to help Ireland, despite numerical disadvantage, secure 44 per cent of possession. The fly-half’s inspired drop goal was crucial, ensuring Ireland, at the time battling with just 13 players, went in to the interval at 13-13. It set the tone for this unexpectedly successful first tour chapter to be written. The script now is to clinch the series at altitude in Johannesburg or back on the coast at Port Elizabeth. Ireland are back despite the odds. More power to them.