Simon Savours Springbok Scalp

Munster winger Simon Zebo reflects on Ireland’s 29-15 victory over South Africa at the AVIVA Stadium.

One down, two to go. With Georgia and Australia still waiting in the wings of the 2014 Guinness Series, Ireland will take both confidence and momentum from Saturday’s comprehensive win over South Africa – the side ranked second in world rugby.

Zebo won his first six Ireland caps between June 2012 and June 2013, before a foot injury saw him miss last year's Guinness Series and he was unable to force his way back in for the 6 Nations title-winning campaign.

The Corkman returned to international duty on the summer tour to Argentina, starting both games against the Pumas and scoring his third Test try. He held onto his starting wing spot for the South Africa match on Saturday and insists Ireland can mix it with the best teams in the world.

"We'd have the confidence and belief that on our day we can live with anybody. Last year the boys lived up to the All Blacks for as long as possible, 80 minutes, and were unlucky not to come up with the win. No matter who the opposition are, we're confident we can go out and do a job if we're firing on all cylinders.”

Ireland led 6-3 at the break, but just two minutes after the restart Rhys Ruddock crossed from a lineout maul for the game’s opening try, the timing of which, according to Zebo, was right on cue with Ireland’s game plan.

"We really wanted to attack at the start of the second half. We believe in the systems we have and the direction the team wants to go. When we set our goals for the season or the second half, whatever it may be, we fully believe we can go out and achieve them. Scoring the first points of the second half was one of them. It gave us momentum to go on."

Zebo also noted the strong performance of Robbie Henshaw and the previously uncapped Jared Payne against the Springboks, paired together for the first time in the Irish midfield.

"They're unbelievably talented players, the two boys are very experienced. Robbie also, even though he's so young (21).

"At the end of the day it's another game of rugby, so all the hype building up around the two boys was a bit much, but the boys put in a great performance and they're well able no matter who the opposition are."

The Guinness Series continues this Sunday when Ireland welcome Georgia to the AVIVA Stadium – KO: 2:30pm with live coverage on RTE2.