Ireland were beaten by South Africa in the third test at Port Elizabeth and lost the series. It was a disappointing end for a tour that opened so brightly in Cape Town. I worried about the result from the anthems. The South Africans sang with full-throated aggression while the Irish were strangely silent. All the Irish emotion seemed to be …

Throughout the history of international sport, a common thread has united men and women under a fellowship of patriotism. The fundamental laws of competition demand that two sides give their all in the pursuit of victory, but it is only when compatriots unite under a nationalist focus, with a common purpose that goes beyond the colour of their shirts, that …

In Ellis Park today Joe Schmidt stood on the edge of greatness. A series win against South Africa would have given him a 64-carat CV and the licence to name his price for any coaching ticket in the world. His team then blew a 16-point lead with 20 minutes to go against the worst Springboks in history. If I knew …

The lingering puzzle surrounding last weekend’s test result in Cape Town extends as much to the under-performing hosts as it does the triumphant visitors. For sheer bravery, a stubborn refusal to bow to the inevitable and a resolve that belied their desperate circumstances, Ireland deserve huge credit. But serious questions remain; how much of that opening test win can be …

9. Jared Payne Finally, picked in his best position. He was magnificent in everything he did. Inferior to Rob Kearney in the air, but do we want a catch and kick player or a striker from the back? Over to you Joe. 6. Andrew Trimble Despite all the talk about the defensive system the Ulster wing continues to be worse without the …

Make no mistake about it. This was an immense performance by Ireland. Courage, character and commitment are the hall marks of a great team. Ireland had it in spades against a hugely ineffective South African outfit. Every player in green was outstanding but two determined the result. Devin Toner guaranteed Ireland possession at the lineout and restart. He never stopped …

In the first instalment of his exclusive column for Pundit Arena, George Hook pulls no punches, criticising Joe Schmidt’s insistence on ignoring form players and Ireland’s diminishing chances in South Africa. In the latter years of the last decade, the rationale for picking John Hayes – who, by 2010, was almost into his dotage – was predicated on the fact that Ireland …