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 3-3 South Africa, 35 minutes
Tthere are a few walking wounded out there: Lood de Jager becomes the second player to depart with his arm in a sling, replaced by Franco Mostert, and Conor Murray has hurt himself; off goes the centurion, on comes Jamison Gibson-Park
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 34 minutes
Conor Murray makes a half-break, spotting the space as the South Africa lineout tail defenders rush up to try and intercept the pass that never comes.
Ireland toil away in the Springboks’ 22, with Frans Malherbe picked up for a no-arms tackle. Johnny Sexton will, in all likelihood, put the home side back in front.
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 33 minutes
A free kick to South Africa, and Damian Willemse briefly has a brain-fart, starting his run-up to punt but pausing when he sees Andrew Porter approaching, as the prop is permitted to. Willemse just about remembers the law in time, hacking away a clearance in a hurried manner.
No try! Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 32 minutes
Knocked on! He did get there first, but that’s not even close to a proper grounding, reaching between the arms of Jesse Kriel but bouncing it basketball-style.
It was good until then from Sheehan, rushing up to block Damian Willemse’s clearance, beating the fly-half to the loose ball and toeing it on. No try.
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 31 minutes
Ireland go slightly more direct, working those trademark tip ons between forwards at the line. Eventually, though, it stalls, and Conor Murray is forced to go to the air.
Hang on - charged down by Dan Sheehan and has the hooker got there?
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 29 minutes
A shake of the head from Johnny Sexton as Dan Sheehan knocks on, the hooker trying to drive in field after collecting Sexton’s heave beyond the South African hard outside blitz. Jacques Nienaber’s defensive system hasn’t always been at the levels that led South Africa to the 2019 World Cup recently, but it’s really troubling Ireland.
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 27 minutes
Yes, it isn’t good for McCloskey - he leaves the field with a dejected look, arm wrapped in a makeshift sling made from his shirt. A disappointing end to his evening after a promising opening to a rare start for Ireland.
And this will be a huge test for replacement Jimmy O’Brien, on for his debut with more than 50 minutes left. Garry Ringrose will shift in to inside centre.
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 27 minutes
A pretty scrappy first 27 minutes or so, with neither side really able to settle into their flow. South Africa have had more possession, but Ireland have thus far looked reasonably comfortable against the Springboks’ attack.
This will be a worry for Andy Farrell, though - Stuart McCloskey, called into the starting side after Robbie Henshaw’s withdrawl yesterday, is down and receiving treatment on an arm injury.
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 25 minutes
Ireland’s lineout goes awry, with Dan Sheehan missing his jumper at the tail.
The two sides exchange high kicks, Robert Baloucoune, quiet so far in phase play, taking Jaden Hendrikse’s skyward box securely.
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 23 minutes
Penalty to Ireland! South Africa begin to bash on the door, their initial efforts turned away but a group of forward muscling on in midfield.
But Lood de Jager fails to stay on his feet as the sole latcher - he’s pinged for sealing off.
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