Flannery hails Ireland success

Flannery: Hailed Irish autumn performances

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Jerry Flannery claims Ireland's near-perfect autumn shows they have kicked on from their Grand Slam success.

The Irish remained unbeaten throughout the autumn internationals and ended the spell on cloud nine as they triumphed 15-10 over the world champions in extreme fog at Croke Park.

It was the reigning RBS 6 nations champions' third successive win over the Springboks and Flannery was delighted that the hosts sent the Tri-Nations winners packing.

"It would have tarnished the Grand Slam had we shown up this autumn and had a poor series," said the all-action Munster hooker.

Satisfaction

"We've come a long way and I take satisfaction from the way things haven't dropped off after the Grand Slam.

"I was worried that might happen but the players and management took steps to ensure it didn't.

"We wanted to test to ourselves against South Africa to see how we are progressing as a team.

"This win is a big lift for us because we have massive respect for the Springboks - they're an awesome side.

"We're still no world beaters but we've progressed from the Six Nations. We're proud of what we've achieved."

Natural

Meanwhile, Gordon D'Arcy has hailed Ireland matchwinner Jonathan Sexton's nerveless display in Saturday's victory over South Africa.

Sexton justified his selection ahead of veteran fly-half Ronan O'Gara by booting five penalties to topple the world champions at Croke Park.

The 24-year-old, playing only his second Test, was physical and composed throughout and D'Arcy is impressed by the calm he shows at critical moments.

"Jon is a brilliant striker of the ball, very natural," said the Lions centre.

"It's a mark of a good player that when the pressure comes on he wants the ball.

"He always wants it - it was the same during the Heineken Cup semi-finals and final last season.

"When those pressure kicks are on or when he's going for that extras 10 yards, he doesn't flinch at all.

"He asks for the ball because he wants it every time."