Johnny Sexton: Ireland’s guts against Springboks will be 'massive reference point'

With the November series ending with a hectic defeat to world champions South Africa, it was a mixed period for Ireland - and one Johnny Sexton says he took a lot away from.

In a game where Ireland were reduced to 12 men at one point, South Africa were dominant 24-13 winners, their power at the scrum too much for Ireland to handle.

James Ryan received a 20-minute red card, while Jack Crowley, Sam Prendergast, Andrew Porter, and Paddy McCarthy all picked up yellow cards.

In what was a difficult day, Sexton was proud of how Ireland stayed in the game until the very end and adapted to an array of difficult situations.

"Saturday's game in particular will be a massive reference point for us in terms of us playing South Africa this time next year again.

"To see the team, how much they can improve and evolve, it'll be great for us to see.

"I'm sure South Africa will come back, and it'll be a great match for us to say, 'look how far we've come in these 12 months'."

Sexton said the side's guts and determination were on display.

"It’s something that we’ve been referencing and something that the lads showed. Unbelievable fight, problem-solving, just guts. I was proud on Saturday after the game in terms of being associated with that group of men.”

South Africa's first win in Ireland in 13 years further cemented its status as the best team in the world.

Sexton denied suggestions that South Africa came to humiliate Ireland.

"The only time they would be humiliated is if you throw in the towel or you pack it in.

I don't think there was any humiliation in what the lads produced on Saturday

"I don't think there was any humiliation in what the lads produced on Saturday, for sure, because there was no lack of effort.

"There was sometimes a