Bok to the future for classy Ireland

RECORDS tumbled as Ireland notched up a record score against a southern hemisphere side at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

For Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan, a frustrated figure in the aftermath of three summer defeats to New Zealand (2) and Australia, it could be described as the beginning of a new era; at the very least it was a great start to a new season.

The begrudgers – they are still out there – will say that South Africa weren’t anything special, but there is no such thing as a bad Springboks team; a win is a win, but when victory comes accompanied by a good performance, then it’s time to sit up and take notice.