Donal Lenihan: Jimmy O'Brien the big Autumn winner for Ireland so far

The Leinster man's performance against South Africa was exactly the type of response Farrell was looking for, players capable of rising to the challenge in adversity

RISING TO THE CHALLENEGE: Jimmy O'Brien played a very prominent role in the defeat of the world champions. 

So much for Andy Farrell and his management team to absorb from an invaluable 24 hours of high-octane intensity at the weekend. 

From the moment Craig Casey led his Ireland A charges onto the RDS on Friday to when Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli blew the final whistle down the road at the Aviva Stadium the following evening.