Andy Farrell takes exception to South Africa loss being described as ‘shambolic’

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell admitted he had not “seen a game like that ever” as he took exception to a chaotic 24-13 defeat to South Africa being described as “shambolic”.

The hosts lost lock James Ryan to a 20-minute red card during a remarkable first half in which team-mates Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley and Andrew Porter were sin-binned.

Ireland’s repeated infringements followed the perceived injustice of Springboks fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu avoiding an early card for a high hit on Tommy O’Brien.

With Farrell’s side down to 13 men, hooker Dan Sheehan crossed in response to scores from Damian Willemse and Cobus Reinach, before a penalty try moved the world champions 19-7 ahead at the break.

Ireland returned to the field with 12 players following the departure of Porter and somehow outscored South Africa in a spirited second half thanks to a pair of Prendergast penalties, either side of a try from Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Paddy McCarthy became the fourth Irishman to be yellow carded before South Africa celebrated ending a 13-year wait for a win in Dublin.

“I’d say chaotic; I won’t repeat your word because I think you’re wrong,” replied Farrell, when it was suggested the first half was “borderline shambolic”.

“You think you’ve seen it all and I haven’t seen a game like that ever.

“First and foremost you look at yourself and why things have happened. We’ll do that and make sure we learn the lessons from that.

“But my overriding thought of the game is, I’m unbelievably proud, so for you to start the conversation off like that doesn’t sit well.”

After Willemse’s fourth-minute score, Ireland thought they had levelled through a Tadhg Beirne try, only for second-row partner Ryan to be penalised for an illegal clearout