Player ratings: Oh so close
However, as was the case last week, they just could not overcome the Springboks – losing 13-19 in Port Elizabeth on Saturday and losing the series one-two.
The winning margin in all three Tests was just six points and the Irish will take heart from the fact that they were just one score away from adding a series win to their historic first-ever win on SA soil in Cape Town in the opening match o the series.
Jan de Koning rates the Irish players:
15 Tiernan O'Halloran:
Took and early knock, went off for a concussion test and returned till half-time, when he was replaced.
5/10
14 Andrew Trimble:
He was a constant threat with ball in hand and looked for work. Missed just one tackle.
7/10
13 Luke Marshall:
Apart from one penalty, he had a very good game – especially on attack, where he tested the Bok defence.
7/10
12 Stuart Olding:
Some real talent coming through in the Irish midfield. Not flawless, but showed a determination that could make him an institution in the national team.
7/10
11 Keith Earls:
Had one really good run, from a clean break, but was otherwise subdued by his standards.
6/10
10 Paddy Jackson:
Not his best game of the season, but was till better than his direct opponent and again managed to pin the Boks in their own half.
6/10
9 Conor Murray:
Was not as effective this week and while he did the basics well, but was well marked around the fringes.
6/10
8 Jamie Heaslip:
Was Ireland's most effective forward throughout the series – as he was in this match – on defence, in the line-outs and with his support play.
8/10
7 Jordi Murphy:
Had plenty of carries, for little reward, made all his tackles and won a handful of line-outs.
6/10
6 Christian Stander:
Won some crucial turnovers at the breakdown and made life rather unpleasant for the Boks. Outplayed his direct opponent, Francois Louw, although there was a penalty in the second half.
8/10
5 Devin Toner:
He may not be the most effective ball carrier, but on defence and in the line-outs he is invaluable.
7/10
4 Iain Henderson:
His carries went into double figures, but his metres gained did not. Made all his tackles.
6/10
3 Mike Ross:
A game he would much rather forget – especially the scrums.
4/10
2 Rory Best (captain):
Worked exceptionally hard, especially on defence.
6/10
1 Jack McGrath.
Also struggled in the scrums, but was a rock on defence.
5/10
Replacements:
16 Sean Cronin (on for Best, 72nd min):
Not enough time to be rated.
17 Finlay Bealham:
Not used.
18 Tadhg Furlong (on for Ross, 50th min):
Had no impact on the game and got monstered in the scrums.
3/10
19 Ultan Dillane (on for Henderson, 68th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
20 Rhys Ruddock (on for Stander, 68th min)
Not enough time to be rated.:
21 Eoin Reddan (on for Murray, 68th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
22 Ian Madigan (on got Earls, 72nd min):
Not enough time to be rated.
23 Matt Healy (on for O'Halloran, 10 min to 18 min & then 41st min):
Made no real impact, with only one decent run.
5/10
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