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 18:00 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 22 minutes

Another chance for Willemse? South Africa earn a penalty in a not dissimilar spot and...this time fancy a rumble for the left corner. Willemse’s punt is accurate.

[5 November 2022 17:59 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Missed penalty! Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 21 minutes

Oh dear. That wasn’t Damian Willemse’s finest, his alignment, obviously, wrong, with what looks to be a clean strike starting and staying some 15 yards right of the posts.

[5 November 2022 17:58 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 20 minutes

Stuart McCloskey again draws the plaudits of his teammates as he holds up Damian de Allende in a choke tackle - but Ireland’s joy is short-lived as the TMO spots Johnny Sexton’s arm wrapped around De Allende’s neck.

Penalty to South Africa, and it is kickable - Damian Willemse gestures for the tee.

[5 November 2022 17:56 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 18 minutes

Outstanding from South Africa. Again Ireland try to work a play out the back off the top of the lineout, Stuart McCloskey pulling back the ball for a looping Mack Hansen off his blindside wing. Hansen manages to get the pass away; Hugo Keenan definitively does not, Makazole Mapimpi steamrollering the full-back as he catches. South African bodies drive through the ruck and draw a penalty.

[5 November 2022 17:54 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

YELLOW CARD! Cheslin Kolbe is sent to the sin bin! Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 17 minutes

Both Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit have a leg each, lifting up Hansen and appearing to drive him into the floor. It will be a card - but for who?

Kolbe is deemed the initiator, and the primary cause of the tilt and drive. Nika Amashukeli shows him yellow.

[5 November 2022 17:52 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 16 minutes

That is gorgeous rugby, South Africa’s blitz defence so nearly unlocked by Ireland’s delightful handling from stable set-piece ball. The outside blitz of Jesse Kriel does just enough to force an errant pass, with Mack Hansen forced to tap up for himself and retreat to gather.

Oh, that looks nasty! Hansen is tilted and dropped on his head - the TMO wants to look...

[5 November 2022 17:49 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 15 minutes

Pats on the back for Stuart McCloskey - a strong bit of defensive play from the inside centre. Jasper Wiese tests the his structural integrity with a quick pick and go, but McCloskey is firm, standing up the number eight. Wiese gets a knee to floor but the centre is immediately over the top of the ball, combining with Caelan Doris to win the penalty.

[5 November 2022 17:47 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 13 minutes

Ireland elect to play from deep in their own territory. Johnny Sexton’s wide pass arrives in Mack Hansen’s hands on the bounce, forcing the Ireland wing to jump and jive inside and out in search of space. Damian de Allende brings him down, perhaps with a hint of head-on-head contact, and Jasper Wiese latches on to Conor Murray, causing a fumble. South Africa scrum.

[5 November 2022 17:43 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 11 minutes

As perhaps could have been expected, plenty of early high kicking as the two sides battle for aerial and territorial supremacy. Cheslin Kolbe steps in at first receiver and produces a well-weighted up and under, but Hugo Keenan takes it competently.

[5 November 2022 17:40 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

PENALTY! Ireland 3-3 SOUTH AFRICA (Damian Willemse penalty, 9 minutes)

And from bang in front, Damian Willemse levels things up.