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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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 13-8 Ireland, 53 minutes
Onwards South Africa go, the phase count growing into double figures. But Josh van der Flier has it! A vital turnover on the fringes of his own 22 to save Ireland just as momentum was building!
South Africa 13-8 Ireland, 52 minutes
South Africa up the intensity, their fresh forwards thrown injecting intent and ill-will. Malcolm Marx and Salmaan Moerat each put their tackler on their backside.
South Africa 13-8 Ireland, 51 minutes
A double switch for Ireland, too: James Ryan and Ryan Baird replace Joe McCarthy and Peter O’Mahony.
Joy for Ireland! So much for the Bomb Squad, blown away at the opening scrum and conceding a penalty.
South Africa 13-8 Ireland, 50 minutes
The Bomb Squad mass on the touchline, ready for their demolition job. A South Africa midfield knock on should grant Rassie Erasmus the opportunity to introduce them.
Enter: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp (on debut), Vincent Koch, Salmaan Moerat, RG Snyman and Marco van Staden. Off go: Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert and Siya Kolisi. Six forwards in, six forward out. Got it? Good.
South Africa 13-8 Ireland, 49 minutes
Inacurrate! South Africa work to the edge and there’s a chance for Kurt-Lee Arendse to step the final defender if the pass to him is good. It’s not - behind him, spilled, and an opportunity missed.
South Africa 13-8 Ireland, 47 minutes
South Africa put pressure on Ronan Kelleher’s lineout throw, and Joe McCarthy juggles it at the rear. South Africa pounce on the loose ball just inside Ireland’s 22, Kwagga Smith darting forward.
Missed penalty! South Africa 13-8 Ireland, 47 minutes
Now then. Handre Pollard errs, tugging his effort from 45 or so left.
South Africa 13-8 Ireland, 46 minutes
A penalty against Ireland, though. Peter O’Mahony and Siya Kolisi are called in for a chat. Handre Pollard prepares his tee.
South Africa 13-8 Ireland, 45 minutes
That’s five turnovers now for Ireland; the official stats have South Africa’s count at one. They are just staying in there, clinging on, keeping in the fight.
South Africa 13-8 Ireland, 44 minutes
A try here would be huge for South Africa’s momentum. Faf de Klerk pikcs his runners, sending them repeatedly around the corner. Ireland just about holding firm for now.
And it’s Ireland’s ball! Franco Mostert offloads, De Klerk flings with abandon, and Ireland are there to snatch it!
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