Ireland player ratings: Josh van der Flier and Jimmy O'Brien shine in big win over South Africa

Ireland began their autumn campaign in style with a gripping 19-16 win over world champions South Africa in Dublin.

Two tries in three second-half minutes from Josh van der Flier and Mack Hansen put Ireland on course for a 10th successive home win as they withstood a late Springboks fightback.

Here is how we rated the players...

Hugo Keenan - 8

Any concerns around Keenan being propelled straight into the starting line-up on his return from injury were quickly dispelled.

The full-back barely put a foot wrong. He would have expected more of an aerial bombardment but was equal to anything South Africa threw at him, while he linked up well in attack and had a hand in Mack Hansen's try.

Robert Baloucoune - 7

Popped up with some big moments in defence, snuffing out a Jaden Hendrikse grubber inside his own 22 before half-time and producing a huge hit on Willie le Roux during a tense finale.

Garry Ringrose - 8

Was in the right place to take Conor Murray’s partially-blocked box-kick, which led to Johnny Sexton’s early penalty. Made a huge tackle on Cheslin Kolbe moments later, the first of many big moments in defence from the in-form centre.

Looked equally at home at 12 after Stuart McCloskey departed, beating four defenders.

Stuart McCloskey - 7

The Ulsterman had waited a long time for an opportunity with Ireland and make a big impact, combining some big defensive hits with his trademark carries and soft hands.

It was a shame to see him depart with an arm injury after 26 minutes.

Mack Hansen - 8

Got Ireland out of trouble during the first half by recovering a couple of errant passes, and was then dumped on his head by a combination of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kolbe, with the latter fortunate to only see yellow.

Hansen continued to chase hard