Matfield: O'Connell was a huge loss for Ireland

Victorious South Africa captain Victor Matfield cited the absence of Paul O’Connell as a crucial factor in his team’s victory over Ireland yesterday.

The Irish pack were played off the pitch by the Springboks, none more so than in the lineout where the ability and leadership of O’Connell was sorely missed and Matfield, who picked up the Man of the Match award, agreed that the Munster lock was a huge loss. .