VIDEO: 'I honestly do not care who the best team in the world is'
SPOTLIGHT: The spectacle between two top-ranked sides shows the game is in a good space, according to Ireland coach Andy Farrell.
Ireland recorded a hard-fought 25-24 win over South Africa at Kings Park in Durban.
The one-point victory is an incredible feat for the Irish, who levelled the two-Test series 1-all – following their 20-27 loss to the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld the previous weekend.
The drawn series seems to be a fitting end to the growing rivalry between the two nations.
However, one can’t help but feel it left the supporters with a cliffhanger.
The record books show that it’s a stalemate, but that won’t stop the debate of who is the best causing a stir in all parts of the world.
For many, a third Test between the world’s top two sides would be the order of the day and perhaps would albeit for now settle the score.
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When pressed about the #World’sBest tag, Ireland coach Farrell refused to add further fuel to the conversation.
“I honestly do not care who the best team in the world is,” said England-born Farrell, after the win over the Springboks in Durban.
“Two good sides, you wouldn’t want to separate them.
“It is what it is, and you could add a couple of other countries into that [equation].
“I think the world game is in a good state because of that type of competition.
“Long may it continue.”
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Farrell showed immense respect for South Africa, who has become an astute rival.
The two teams have met three times in the last 10 months with Ireland winning on two occasions.
The Irish recorded a 13-8 win over Boks in the World Cup pool phase before the World Champs hit back and secured a 27-20 victory last weekend.
However, Ireland had a last say and will head back to the north with their heads held high following the win in Durban.
It was just the second time Ireland has won a Test in 11 attempts in South Africa, with the first in Cape Town in 2016.
“They [South Africa] are a wonderful team, a magnificent team,” said Farrell.
“Last week was difficult for us, we said it as it was, that we weren’t happy, so we had to come out and perform.
“When you have those conversations, you are talking about character so for that to come through that’s what sport is all about really.”
He added: “It has been a 13-month season for these lads, but you would not think it after tonight [Saturday]. When you play for Ireland, there are no excuses.
Next up for Ireland is a lovely break after their strenuous season which included a win over France and a Six Nations trophy.
For the Springboks, it’s a date with Portugal next weekend in Bloemfontein, before they kick off their Rugby Championship against Australia on August 10 in Brisbane.
