‘It’s a lovely story’ – ex-Springboks coach in philosophical mood after Ciaran Frawley drop kicks Ireland to victory
Ciaran Frawley was Ireland's hero against the Springboks.
Former Springboks head coach Nick Mallett was in a philosophical mood following Ireland’s 25-24 triumph in Durban, admitting it was a “lovely story” for Ciaran Frawley.
Frawley, who as Mallett mentions had been off-target for Leinster in the Investec Champions Cup final, stepped up to the plate and nailed two drop goals on Saturday.
The victory for the tourists meant it was a tied series with the Springboks as the two best teams on the planet contested a fascinating two games on South African soil.
Strange feeling
One reason for Mallett not feeling overly downhearted by the result was the manner in which Ireland won the game, as he felt there was little the Boks could do to stop it.
“It’s just a strange feeling, isn’t it? A drop goal, you don’t feel you’ve done anything wrong,” he told SuperSport.
“You know, you’re there to tackle and suddenly this ball gets kicked over your head and you’re in the lap of the gods. You know that thing goes through the posts and you’re feeling miserable.”
The Springboks remain number one on the World Rugby rankings following the World Cup title win, which saw them edge three one-point victories in the knockout stages.
Owen Nkumane and Nick Mallett channeling how everyone is feeling after that clash 🤝#RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/ELLCBW1x5e
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 13, 2024
That was also touched upon by Mallett, who was in the studio with former Ireland back-row CJ Stander, as the former coach discussed the tight margin and series in general.
“What’s interesting is we won three games at that World Cup by one point, by one point, and they’ve just won this one by one point,” he said.
“We’re suddenly sitting in the position where we’re thinking, God, if only this and if only that. Imagine what all those other teams were doing when we won those three games.”
He added: “I think the best thing about this was, as you so rightly said CJ, it was a brilliant Test match, as did the guys at the stadium. No one left, great entertainment, massive excitement and suspense and two drop goals at the end of the game from a guy who comes off the bench.
“He had just missed a drop, you know, for Leinster against Toulouse for them not to win it so there’s a lovely story at the end of it for Frawley.
“Well done to Ireland, they’re great guys, great tourists, and they’ve really competed well.”
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