Ireland vs South Africa LIVE rugby: Result and final score in thrilling autumn international
Andy Farrell’s side put a marker down against the Springboks ahead of a World Cup rematch next year
Ireland did enough to beat world champion South Africa 19-16 in an arm wrestle at Lansdowne Road on Saturday to justify its ascent to No. 1 in the rankings.
Ireland broke a 6-6 halftime deadlock with two tries in four minutes early in the second half, the first from a lineout maul by flanker Josh van der Flier and then a more expansive counterattack score from left wing Mack Hansen.
Ireland led 16-6 at that point and appeared set to see the game home, but South Africa bit back through replacement forward Franco Mostert and wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, whose try in the left corner with three minutes to go threatened an upset in Dublin.
Ireland didn’t let it happen and continued its impressive recent record at Lansdowne Road, where it has won three straight against the Springboks.
The result gave Ireland more confidence after it won an historic test series in New Zealand in July. It also struck a psychological blow for the Irish with the teams set to meet in the pool stage at next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
Wales 0-3 New Zealand, 9 minutes
Off goes Dalton Papali’i! A superb break from the flanker, knocking Justin Tipuric first back and then aside and advancing down into the Welsh 22.
Pressure building. Beauden Barrett keeps hold of the ball, dummying and going himself as is his wont, and the try must surely be coming...
Wales 0-3 New Zealand, 7 minutes
Scrappy stuff. Both sides trade errors, Tomos Williams throwing a quick lineout and Louis Rees-Zammit off on a gallivant, handled by Rieko Ioane, who can just about match the rapid winger for gas. Rhys Priestland’s crossfield kick is not the best, and he’s rather fortunate that neither Caleb Clarke’s feet nor hands are secure as he tries to gather - a runway had appeared in front of the All Black if he had taken cleanly, and he might still be running.
Wales 0-3 New Zealand, 6 minutes
It looks slightly greasy out there, oddly, and Gareth Anscombe slips as he readies himself for a kick inside his own 22. He does well to keep calm and regain his feet, finding grass in which to land his hoist inside the New Zealand half.
Wales 0-3 New Zealand, 5 minutes
Sevu Reece gets high up in the air to tap back Aaron Smith’s next box kick, the ball also spilling forward from a Welsh hand. Jordie Barrett’s long punt draws a call of “advantage over”, and Richie Mo’unga ensures New Zealand win the kicking exchange with a brilliant clearance, the ball hopping into touch just outside the Welsh 22.
PENALTY! Wales 0-3 NEW ZEALAND (Richie Mo’unga penalty, 4 minutes)
Crisp - not a gust of wind to worry about, of course, and from 38 metres or so, it’s true. The All Blacks are on the board.
Wales 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes
A shake of the head and a questioning look at his assistants from Wayne Pivac as his Welsh side are penalised - Wayne Barnes is unhappy with a side entry.
Richie Mo’unga with have a crack at the first points of the game.
Wales 0-0 New Zealand, 2 minutes
But that is the danger of Ardie Savea - Gareth Anscombe is brought down by Dalton Papali’i and over the top is the irrepressible number eight, earning the penalty for holding on.
Wales 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute
Solid enough drill from New Zealand as they take down the opening kick off and clear through the boot of Aaron Smith. Smith’s box kick remains in play, and Wales attack from halfway.
Nifty! Lovely pivot pass out the back from Adam Beard, and George North rounds the corner into space, Scott Barrett tracking back well to cut him down.
Wayne Barnes with the whistle
A proud day for our referee, too. Wayne Barnes takes charge of his 100th test match, and he’s got a special whistle in tow. Brian MacNeice is the TMO.
Wales to kick off - here we go!
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