Brian O’Driscoll makes Ireland World Cup confession after South Africa lift the trophy
Ireland beat the eventual world champions in the pool stages but the Springboks prevailed when it mattered most
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Siya Kolisi of South Africa lifts The Webb Ellis Cup following the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
South Africa have retained the World Cup after a thrilling victory against New Zealand in a gripping Final in Paris, with Brian O’Driscoll suggesting the decisive match of the tournament was a reminder of what might have been for Ireland.
New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player to be sent off in a World Cup final as South Africa retained their title with a nail-biting 12-11 victory at Stade de France.
Cane was shown a red card for in the 28th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel but the All Blacks responded with character and resilience to take the champions to the wire on a wet Paris night.
Beauden Barrett ran in the first try ever scored against South Africa in a World Cup final as the final quarter approached but, with Richie Mo’unga unable to add the conversion, New Zealand still trailed.
Jordie Barrett then missed a tricky long-range penalty that would have toppled the Springboks and despite furious late attempts to strike from long range they were unable to break through the green wall.
It was a thrilling end to a long World Cup, with Ireland’s win against eventual champions South Africa inspiring O’Driscoll to admit the pain of the quarter-final defeat against New Zealand will linger for Andy Farrell and his team.
As he reflected on why norther hemisphere teams struggle on a World Cup stage the former Ireland captain told ITV Sport that a tournament mentality may be lacking.
"There was so much hope going into the quarter-finals,” he said. “Gosh, we could have two or three northern hemisphere sides in the semi-finals. That’s we were saying. We only had one and the final was between the big two again.
“We are just not World Cup teams. I don’t know what it is about the northern hemisphere nations.
"England have managed to get it done so they are obviously a World Cup team. France have been to a final and just needed a little bit more luck.
"The rest of us… I don't know. Ireland will look at this and think we beat the Springboks in the pool stages and it will hurt.”
O’Driscoll went in to praise the South African mentality, as he reflected on the belief that carries them over the finishing line in the biggest matches.
"They know how to win finals,” he added. “There is a belief in South African teams. They know if they can get there, they are nigh on impossible to beat. They have an inner resolve and a ability to get the job done.
"No one cares in they score tries. They win finals by close margins, that’s what they do.
"The intensity of this final was quite something. It was an immense second half performance from New Zealand. Small moments decided it and when you don’t take those, they are going to bite you in a final.
"It was a gladiatorial. It wasn’t for the faint hearted out there.”
