Ireland v South Africa Virgin media 17:30

I don't think the pass for Hansen's try was in any way definitively forward, and I don't think bad reffing decided the game. I think Ireland did really well against some, eh, let's say Big Bokkes.

...I’m not here to be biased but anyone looking at the game as a neutral will agree.

But you're not exactly neutral either; you're a SA fan, right?

Some belated thoughts on that:

• Must be one of the most physical test matches I've seen in awhile (the first half in particular). We weathered the storm, lost 3 starters and still improved in the 2nd half. Quality.
• To get a try from a lineout maul against that pack is no mean feat. Huge credit to VDF for the finish as well.
• Hansen's try was class as well; we seem to be really trying to attack on turnover ball and keeping the ball alive (which is at the point the defence is at it's most unstructured).
• Great to be scoring very different types of tries; defence's will have to respect our maul and our attack thru the backs. (And the handling of some of the forwards in phase play is really excellent).
• Felt sorry for McCloskey; was going really well and could be another option for us. JOB excellent when he came on.
• Also thought it was Murray's best game in awhile. He clearly doesn't bring the same zip as JGP, but on this showing still has something to offer. (Incidentally, as an aside, I think JGP's box kicking has improved; the one in the lead up to the try was excellent).
• The back-row were all exceptional. There may have been a worry pre-game they were under-powered against their counterparts (especially with Beirne in the 2nd row too), but they didn't take a backwards step. Doris MOTM for me.
• Hansen got the try, but overall I thought he was excellent. I think there was a spell where Johnny was down injured and he stepped in as the main player-maker. He's making himself pretty central to how we play.
• Bealham has become a quality back-up to Furlong. The cover on the LH side is now a much bigger worry.
• James Ryan put himself about, but thought he was very lucky with a few of his ruck entries. You play to the line the ref dictates, but I fear it could come back to bite us at some point.
• I think it was the scrum penalty Bealham won where the 2 prop's went down on their heads gave me pause about how dangerous any scrum can be. We complain about speed of re-sets (and it is a problem) but it's definitely understandable when you think of the safety aspect.

I thought Hansen could've been in line for MOTM tbh, only the forwards went so well.

Was delighted for Murray; he's still excellent defensively (not that you pick a 9 for his defence) but when he and Sexton both finally retire from Ireland, it'll be a huge change in that regard. (Sexton again contributing to holding up a player to form a maul and make it unplayable. How many times have we seen that at this stage?)