Sunday 23 November 2014 20:57, UK
Ireland hooker Rory Best applauded Ireland's improved mentality and composure after cementing their spot as the No 3 side in the world by beating Australia 26-23.
The front row, who returned from a calf injury to face the Wallabies, felt the Irish had learnt from "mental switch-offs" 12 months ago which saw them slip to home defeats, 32-15 to Australia and the agonising, last-gasp 24-22 All Blacks loss.
Best revealed head coach Joe Schmidt's "ruthless" selection policy had also paid dividends as the unwell New Zealander delayed medical treatment to guide Ireland to their first autumn Test series clean sweep for eight years, before being rushed to hospital to have his appendix removed.
"The pleasing thing is that compared to where we were 12 months ago is that mentally, we stayed in," said Best.
"If you look at it 12 months ago we went mistake after mistake, mental switch-offs if you like, but this time round in a similar position, we didn't.
"But this year we stuck to our system, we came off the line, we hit and stuck, and we really put pressure on Australia.
"Ultimately they were the ones under pressure at the end of the match because they were the ones who had to get points in some shape or form.
"We put pressure on them, everyone stuck to their job and the big thing for us is that no one threw in the towel mentally.
This is a ruthless level we're playing at: we're playing the best teams in the world, the best players in the world
"There are a lot of great coaches out there, but Joe is certainly one of the best I've worked with.
"He just expects a high level from you: and if you don't toe the line and you don't come up to his fairly tight standards then he finds someone else that will.
"It's ruthless, but that's where you want to be. This is a ruthless level we're playing at: we're playing the best teams in the world, the best players in the world.
"You go back to 12 months ago, you make one small error and you lose a game.
"On Saturday we didn't and that is ingrained in us now that you stick to the system.
"You trust the guy to your right and the guy to your left, and ultimately we have systems and protocols in place that can win you games in tight situations."
Former Leinster boss Schmidt gritted his teeth through suspected appendicitis to stay on hand and direct operations in Dublin, before heading off for medical tests at full-time.
Doctors at the Aviva Stadium sent Schmidt to the nearby St Vincent's Hospital, where his condition was confirmed and he underwent surgery to have his appendix removed.
The ex-Clermont coach was recuperating on Sunday following the successful operation, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed.
