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.
Ireland 6-6 South Africa, 43 minutes
Steven Kitshoff welcomes Finlay Bealham to the game by marching him back five yards at the scrum, Ireland just about surviving without conceding a penalty and then grateful for a South African knock-on as the pressure builds.
And then the penalty goes Bealham’s way! Kitshoff deemed to have gone straight to floor on the engage.
Ireland 6-6 South Africa, 41 minutes
A moment of fortune for Ireland, who haven’t been at their best today in the air. Mack Hansen misjudges Cheslin Kolbe’s high bomb, and Pieter-Steph du Toit initially appears to have gathered cleanly, but just fumbles forward as he attempts to then capitalise.
Second half begins!
Tadhg Furlong, who was struggling with an ankle injury before half-time, has not rejoined his Ireland teammate. Finlay Bealham will see things out on the tighthead.
H/T: Ireland 6-6 South Africa
Nip and tuck. A real scrap in Dublin, neither side yet able to unlock the other with any degree of regularity. The battle between the South African defence and Ireland attack has been fascinating, with the Springboks on top, but the home side’s goalline defence has been stout.
It’s been ferocious, and it’s unlikely to get less physical from here.
PENALTY! Ireland 6-6 SOUTH AFRICA (Cheslin Kolbe penalty, 42 minutes)
Cheslin Kolbe takes over kicking duties from the tee for South Africa, and it’s back to all square as the two sets of players trot off for their oranges.
Ireland 6-3 South Africa, 39 minutes
With a slight limp, Tadhg Furlong takes up position in Ireland’s defensive lineout, which opts not to compete on this occasion. Siya Kolisi knocks back Josh van der Flier with a nasty carry, and South Africa have an advantage and, soon after, the penalty.
Ireland 6-3 South Africa, 39 minutes
Poached! James Ryan gets up at the front and steals Malcolm Marx’s lineout throw from the grasp of Eben Etzebeth.
Jimmy O’Brien does very well to then get a solid enough clearance away off his left boot.
A physical contest really is taking a toll - Tadhg Furlong is the latest to drop to floor and take some treatement.
Ireland 6-3 South Africa, 38 minutes
Andrew Porter drives in too soon at the lineout before the lifted South African player comes to floor. South Africa’s forwards stride down with intent towards the Irish line in menacing pursuit of Damian Willemse’s kick for touch.
PENALTY! IRELAND 6-3 South Africa (Johnny Sexton penalty, 36 minutes)
Over goes Johnny Sexton’s penalty.
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