Andy Farrell’s side left the South African 22 empty-handed too often last weekend.
ONE OF THE rugby statistics we’ve become a little obsessed with in recent years is points per opposition 22 entry.
Ireland’s victory over the Springboks last autumn in Dublin involved a return of 3.17 points per entry.But last weekend in Paris, Ireland earned only 0.91 points per entry in the South African 22. This underlines that the metric certainly isn’t everything as an indicator of success, but also illustrates just how well Farrell’s side did to win the game.And as Ireland got back training in recent days ahead of next weekend’s clash with Scotland, this was a clear indicator that they can get better.
After a South African error almost directly from the kick-off, Ireland had their first opposition 22 entry inside the opening minute but the Boks came up with an excellent lineout steal. While Ireland lose the ball here for a failed 22 entry, they almost immediately win it back as Ryan makes a smart play and intercepts the ball from Mostert, giving them a new 22 entry.
But it’s a trap the Boks have set. Watch how loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff moves from the ‘receiver’ position into the front of the lineout, while Malherbe backs away from the tail of the lineout to essentially swap roles with Kitshoff, becoming the receiver. Caelan Doris’ carry onto Kelleher’s pass is strong but the ball comes loose as he goes to ground in the tackle.
We discussed this Kurt-Lee Arendse turnover penalty in this piece on Ireland’s attack, but it’s worth stressing how disappointed they will have been that it happened on first phase when everyone knew the plan and where the ball could end up, even with multiple options. The Boks’ defence recovers remarkably well and seems to have quelled the Irish attack until Sexton’s brilliant pass allows Aki to accelerate down the left touchline and offload, leading to the Boks conceding a penalty.
Even though there’s nothing clearly ‘on’ here for Ireland, just being in possession in this area of the pitch is a good thing. It’s possible to generate scoring chances or earn penalties but Ireland leave empty-handed here. Ireland may also have reflected on whether they could have targeted Wiese here, even if it would mean Kelleher threading his throw delicately in between Eben Etzebeth and Mostert. Alternatively, they’ll wonder if they needed more movement on the ground to drag the Boks out of shape before getting into the air.
Unfortunately for Ireland, they fail to take the chance immediately from the turnover as Conor Murray’s pass is spilled by Ryan Baird.
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