South Africa v Ireland LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Springboks survive crazy finish to win first Test
South Africa 27-20 Ireland: The Springboks secured their first win over the Six Nations winners in eight years at Loftus Versfeld
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Your support makes all the difference.South Africa emerged on top from a crazy contest against Ireland in Pretoria as the World Cup winners marked their homecoming with victory in the first Test of a potentially thrilling series.
The Springboks secured their first win over Ireland in eight years at Loftus Versfeld, with their bench impactful in a contest punctuated by a serious injury to Ireland scrum half Craig Casey. After a long delay, Cheslin Kolbe pounced on a James Lowe error to put the hosts in control, with a late shove-over scrum score engineered by South Africa’s Bomb Squad sealing the win despite a late Irish rally.
Lowe had earlier been denied by a tight call from the television match official having seemingly put Ireland in front in the second half. Ireland, however, were deemed to have infringed at the breakdown prior to Lowe’s canter up the left touchline, with referee Luke Pearce chalking the score off.
It means Andy Farrell’s side will head to Durban next week down 1-0 in the two-Test series and hoping to hit back after an encounter that delivered on the spite and spice anticipated as two familiar foes re-ignited their rivalry.
Re-live all of the action rom South Africa vs Ireland below:
South Africa vs Ireland
When is South Africa vs Ireland?
The first Test is due to kick off at 4.05pm BST on Saturday 6 July at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Action, with coverage on the channel from 3.30pm BST. Subscribers can stream via Sky Go.
South Africa vs Ireland
Good afternoon all - well, this is rather tasty. Welcome to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of South Africa against Ireland, two of the best sides in the world re-igniting a rivalry that simmers ever more each time these two meet.
The Springboks are back on South African soil for the first time since that night in Paris last October when Siya Kolisi again led them to World Cup glory. But will it be a triumphant return? Ireland may be missing a couple of key figures but Andy Farrell’s side have won the last three meetings between these two and will spy another chance to produce a statement performance.
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