Schmidt’s ultimate ‘mana’ tribute to heroic O’Connell

There may have been heroics across the field as Ireland recorded only their fifth victory in 22 meetings with South Africa but for many the 80-minute shift put in by captain Paul O’Connell was as special as the win itself.

The 34-year-old lock may have been unhappy with the way his lineout coped with some intense pressure from Victor Matfield and Eben Etzebeth as well as how the Irish scrum wobbled at times and the manner in which the maul defence creaked twice during the 29-15 win at Aviva Stadium.

Yet when it came to commitment, perseverance, character and determination, no-one could have faulted the Ireland team, from man of the match Johnny Sexton, through try-scoring Rhys Ruddock, who had begun matchday as the 24th man but was drafted in to replace an ill Chris Henry to loosehead prop along with Jack McGrath, who made 17 tackles as he deputised for injured first-choice Cian Healy.