Ciarán Frawley revels in match-winning contribution as Ireland stun South Africa

Ireland rookie Ciarán Frawley revelled in his match-winning contribution after landing a last-gasp drop goal to stun world champions South Africa in Durban.

The replacement fly-half split the posts from distance in dramatic fashion with the final action of a thrilling encounter, having executed a similar effort just 10 minutes earlier.

His late heroics on the occasion of his sixth cap earned Andy Farrell’s men a famous 25-24 victory at Kings Park Stadium to secure a 1-1 series draw against rugby’s top-ranked nation.

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Asked what was going through his mind, the 26-year-old told Sky Sports: “I just don’t know, to be honest. It’s mental.

“This place is a fortress and it’s so loud. The game was going back and forth, they got momentum there probably for most of the second half.

“But the boys dug in deep. We were in our own half and managed to get up and get the final points, so we’re delighted.

“I’m just going to have a pint now and enjoy that.”

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The Six Nations champions looked set to slip to an agonising defeat after fading following a ferocious first-half performance which brought an early try for Conor Murray and a 16-6 lead.

Flawless fly-half Handre Pollard slotted eight penalties to turn the contest in the Springboks’ favour on the back of their 27-20 triumph last weekend in Pretoria.

But Frawley sensationally added to 14 points from Ireland number 10 Jack Crowley to snatch a statement success from Farrell’s 50th Test as head coach.

The extraordinary twist came at the end of an undisciplined second period during which stand-in captain Caelan Doris was sin-binned and the Springboks dominated.

Five minutes to go, two points in it