Saturday, 22 November: The final game for Ireland in the Quilter Nations Series against South Africa.
A fortnight has passed but the fallout from the Aviva Stadium encounter still resonates. Yellow cards aplenty in what was a bruising spectacle. No, let’s call it a crazy coming together that lasted over two hours, leaving the sport’s aficionados in a state of bewilderment as to what the law makers have done to the game.
South Africa, the world champions, the best team on the planet, were 11-point winners. The margin may have flattered the hosts as those in green jerseys took their place in an over-crowded sin-bin during the opening half. Still, Andy Farrell’s side showed a resolve to keep the scoreline down.
Irish voices in the Springboks camp were present. Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery are part of the ticket led by Rassie Erasmus. The trio also had a working relationship at Munster.
Earlier this week, Flannery was present at the University of Galway Coaching Conference alongside the likes of Lynn Cantwell, Cora Staunton and Niamh Fahey.
An opportunity to hear the views of the now Springboks defensive coach.
RTÉ Sport also had the opportunity to get the Flannery take on all things South Africa.
The man, who was capped 41 times for Ireland, spoke of the “fantastic job” he now has, when chatting to Darren Frehill.
He did add, however, state that it is “a little bit weird” having to face Irish opposition.
And yet.
“It is a professional sport and everybody is so competitive. I have been called a traitor a couple of times at the Aviva.”
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW
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As for what unfolded on 22 November, Flannery’s view is in keeping with general narrative of chaos on an evening/night where neither side were overly satisfied with what they produced.
“It was a really weird game, very, very strange,” he opined.
“I thought Matt Carley (referee) was quite strong in the way he officiated the game. There could have been a couple of more cards; we could have picked up one and Ireland could have picked up another one.
“I don’t think either team will be entirely happy with how they executed their game plan but Ireland can be proud of the resilience they showed when they were down significant numbers. They didn’t capitulate and we were disappointed that we could not capitalise on that.”
Flannery was in doubt as to where South Africa had the advantage, adding: “The obvious one was the upper hand we got at the scrum and so that gave us an in.
“I felt we defended pretty well. It was difficult for Ireland because they spent a lot of the game in their own half. We could have been more clinical in our execution from an attack point of view, but Ireland are right up there as one of the best defensive teams in the world.”
Rassie Erasmus is to remain on as South Africa coach for four more years
From this sit-down, the most interesting takeaway is Flannery’s admiration for a coach who has guided the Springboks to two World Cup wins and only this week signed on for another four years at the helm.
“Rassie is a genius, an incredible coach,” was the succinct take.
“It’s a very special environment as Rassie has built it into something that I’m not sure we’ll ever see again.
“He empowers people and brings the best out of everyone and is an incredibly kind man. Rugby can be a stressful job so when the top guy is creating an environment where all the coaches feel valued and heard, that is obviously a good thing.
“Having a tight coaching group is one of the most important things as a foundation to be successful.”
Flannery also spoke about rugby’s growing popularity in South Africa, saying that the nation is “rugby crazy”, while crucially pointing to the Springboks being “leaders in world rugby when it comes to physicality”.
And what of Ireland?
A team that are on the wane, perhaps?
Well, the former international hooker is urging supporters not to be so glum.
“We have been a little bit spoiled in Ireland for a while. People are now starting to panic a little bit.
“Ireland have a fantastic coaching group and are a really tight group; lots of good, young players coming through. Who can put their hand up and put themselves into the forefront for selection?
“I wouldn’t panic. Massive quality there.”