North-south void has been filled, says Ireland captain Rory Best after Australia victory
Irish win 27-24 to become first northern hemisphere side since England in 2003 to beat all three southern hemisphere teams in a calendar year
Ireland captain Rory Best says beating Australia 27-24 and other results going the northern hemisphere countries way suggests the void people had spoken about between them last year has been filled.
The Irish became the first Northern Hemisphere side since England in 2003 to beat all three southern hemisphere teams in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in a calendar year.
And 34-year-old Best added he was extremely proud as a patchwork Ireland side, who lost three key backs by half-time to be replaced by players who had to play out of position, had somehow eked out a victory.
The Irish had seen a 17-0 advantage evaporate with Australia taking the lead after an hour only for Keith Earls to grab a third try for Ireland and Paddy Jackson convert it.
Watch: Ireland v Australia highlights
“It’s obviously a pretty big achievement to do that and with so many players who have played in those games is a good sign of our ability and depth,” said Best.