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

(PA)

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.

Ireland vs South Africa latest updates

• YELLOW! Kolbe is sin-binned for a tip tackle, it’s dangerous and could have been red
• CLOSE! Sheehan nearly touches down after doing well to block Willemse’s clearance
• PENALTY! Kolbe converts to bring the Boks level before the break, 6-6
• TRY! A brilliant move from the hosts ends with Hansen going over, 16-6
• TRY! The Springboks produce their own sweeping move and Mostert cuts the deficit, 16-11
• PENALTY! Sexton takes an age, but eventually drills the kick to earn a crucial eight-point lead, 19-11
• TRY! Late drama as Arendse poaches a score in the corner, 19-16
• France vs Australia: Live updates to follow as World Cup hosts take on Wallabies

[5 November 2022 19:06 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 58 minutes

The Irish front row then stand up under pressure at the scrum. Bongi Mbonambi will throw the South African lineout on the edge of Ireland’s 22.

[5 November 2022 19:05 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 56 minutes

Robert Baloucoune has barely been sighted with ball in hand today, highlighting a left-leaning approach from the Irish attack. His aerial work has been mixed - he is up early, impressively here, but fails to collect cleanly.

[5 November 2022 19:03 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 55 minutes

A ten-point lead is far from safe, obviously, but Ireland are really starting to take control of this game. South Africa need a moment of inspiration - both of their back replacements are now on, with Faf de Klerk ready to feed a scrum and Willie le Roux on at full-back. Cheslin Kolbe shifts to the wing.

Here is that superb Mack Hansen try.

[5 November 2022 19:01 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 55 minutes

That’ll please Finlay Bealham rather more. Nika Amashukeli’s whistle sounds with the South African scrum in rapid retreat.

[5 November 2022 19:00 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 53 minutes

A loose pull-back pass from Finlay Bealham at the line, failing to pick his spot and throwing it inaccurately. South Africa try to capitalise, but are over-eager, rushing their play, with an offload to Siya Kolisi clearly forward.

[5 November 2022 18:55 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

TRY! IRELAND 16-6 South Africa (Mack Hansen try, 50 minutes)

A superbly taken try!

This is outstanding from start to finish from Ireland. First Caelan Doris is sharpest to react to a loose ball, ensuring it remains infield and allowing his teammates to recycle. Finlay Bealham plays his part as the efficient cog turning it on, allowing Jamison Gibson-Park to dart into space outside of Steven Kitshoff.

Gibson-Park releases an early pass, Tadhg Beirne providing linking hands in space, allowing Jimmy O’Brien to send Mack Hansen away on an unimpeded frolic to the line.

Johnny Sexton’s touchline conversion attempt is a better effort than his last, but isn’t quite there.

[5 November 2022 18:55 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 11-6 South Africa, 48 minutes

Vincent Koch - sadly so briefly of Wasps, now of Stade Francais - is on for South Africa for Frans Malherbe at tighthead.

Ireland just starting to grow in confidence. Strong defence as the Springboks go nowhere.

[5 November 2022 18:51 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

TRY! IRELAND 11-6 South Africa (Josh van der Flier try, 46 minutes)

They haven’t - Van der Flier has scored!

Excellent from the Ireland flanker, remaining alert even as the maul crabs over towards the touchline. Van der Flier remains straight, keeping the chalk off his boots and firmly finding the line before he is forced out.

[5 November 2022 18:50 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Try? Ireland 6-6 South Africa, 46 minutes

The maul gets moving and Josh van der Flier celebrates as he plants the ball down in the field of play. But had South Africa forced the rumbling mass into touch?

[5 November 2022 18:49 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 6-6 South Africa, 45 minutes

A bit of zip into Ireland’s play, Johnny Sexton remaining down after releasing an inside ball to Mack Hansen, but not necessarily missed, Hugo Keenan, Garry Ringrose and Jimmy O’Brien all taking on playmaking duties.

Jamison Gibson-Park produces a delicious blind inside ball out the back to put Hansen into another hole, and eventually Ireland draw a penalty, the fifth against South Africa at the breakdown.

Sexton receives extended treatment, but joins his teammates in the huddle soon enough.

The Ireland captain has a chat with lieutenant James Ryan. “Corner?”

“Corner.”

To the corner they go.