Ireland rookie Ciaran Frawley can't explain drop-goal heroics: 'It's mental'

The replacement flyhalf split the posts from distance in dramatic fashion with the final action of a thrilling encounter, having executed a similar effort just 10 minutes earlier.

His late heroics on the occasion of his sixth cap earned Andy Farrell's men a famous 25-24 victory at Kings Park Stadium to secure a 1-1 series draw against rugby's top-ranked nation.

Asked what was going through his mind, the 26-year-old said: "I just don't know, to be honest. It's mental.

"This place is a fortress and it's so loud. The game was going back and forth, they got momentum there probably for most of the second half.

"But the boys dug in deep. We were in our own half and managed to get up and get the final points, so we're delighted.

"I'm just going to have a pint now and enjoy that."

The Six Nations champions looked set for defeat after fading following a ferocious first-half performance which saw them lead 16-6 at the break.

Flawless flyhalf Handre Pollard slotted eight penalties to turn the contest in the Springboks' favour on the back of their 27-20 triumph last weekend in Pretoria.

But Frawley sensationally added to 14 points from Ireland number 10 Jack Crowley to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The extraordinary twist came at the end of an undisciplined second period during which stand-in captain Caelan Doris was sin-binned and the Springboks dominated.

Doris, who led the team after Peter O'Mahony was dropped to the bench, said: "There was pure elation seeing the ball sail over at the end there.

"It was back and forth, there were two points in it so we believed if we got territory we could score.

"We knew what an unbelievable test it was coming over here at the end of the season, playing against the double world champions. We're definitely happy to finish it on a high."

Veteran scrumhalf Conor Murray, who was recalled after Munster team-mate Craig Casey was concussed in the first Test, saluted the team's response after weathering a second-half storm.

âœSouth Africa don't lose easy, they find a way and it's so frustrating at times to play against,❠he said. "But we believed in ourselves.

"Coming into South Africa's backyard is always going to be a big challenge and we can be really proud."

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