Ireland 19 – 16 South Africa

Mack Hansen scored one of two tries for Ireland as they cruised to victory over the Springboks in Dublin

Two tries in two minutes in the second half proved crucial as Ireland consolidated their position as the world’s No.1 in rugby with a bruising 19-16 victory over world champions South Africa at the Aviva Stadium.

Openside flanker Josh van der Flier and winger Mack Hansen both scored early in the second half, after skipper Johnny Sexton picked up two penalties in the first half, before adding a crucial third six minutes into the match. of the end.

In a test beset with injuries and ferociously physical confrontations, a pair of penalties was all South Africa could muster in Dublin until replacement lock Franco Mostert scored a try 13 minutes from time for set up a nervous finish, and winger Kurt-Lee Arendse added a second with three minutes remaining.

The visitors also saw full-back Cheslin Kolbe grazed in the first half for a dangerous jab in Hansen’s tackle.

A boisterous home crowd hailed another big step forward for Andy Farrell’s full-time charges as they cruised to victory over the Springboks in a first meeting against the world champions since 2017 – both teams being united in Pool B at next year’s Rugby World Cup. in France.

More soon…

And after?

Farrell’s Ireland next host Fiji at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday November 12, kicking off at 1pm (GMT) for the second of their three autumn internationals this Test window.

For Jacques Nienaber and the Springboks, they will then travel to face France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday November 12, in a kick-off at 8 p.m. (GMT).