South Africa vs Ireland LIVE rugby: Result after Ciaran Frawley kick stuns Springboks in brutal battle
South Africa 24-25 Ireland: Ciaran Frawley’s remarkable final-minute drop goal secured a famous win in Durban
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Ireland secured a remarkable victory against South Africa as Ciaran Frawley’s last-minute drop goal secured a one-point win in Durban.
Frawley dropped into the pocket to send the tourists into wild celebrations having survived a brutal second Test. An extraordinary encounter was settled by a moment of majesty from the replacement Ireland fly half, Frawley knocking over his second drop goal of the match to pip the Springboks.
It secured a draw for the tourists in a two-Test series that delivered on its lofty billing. South Africa had won the first Test in Pretoria thanks to the impact of their bench and appeared to again be taking control at the Shark Tank, with Handre Pollard’s accuracy from the tee putting them on the brink of victory.
The fly half’s eighth penalty had appeared to put the hosts out of reach until Frawley stepped up to slot three points with the clock expiring and snatch a famous win for Andy Farrell’s side.
Re-live all of the action from South Africa vs Ireland below:
Ireland snatch remarkable win over South Africa as Ciaran Frawley slots dramatic last-minute drop goal
Ciaran Frawley coolly landed a last-gasp drop goal as Ireland weathered a second-half storm to pull off a stunning 25-24 victory in Durban and secure a 1-1 series draw against South Africa.
Frawley stepped off the bench to split the posts in dramatic fashion with the final action of a thrilling encounter at Kings Park Stadium following a similar effort just 10 minutes earlier.
Andy Farrell’s side looked set to slip to an agonising defeat to the back-to-back world champions after Conor Murray’s try helped reward a ferocious first-half display with a 16-6 lead.
Flawless fly-half Handre Pollard slotted eight penalties to turn the contest in the Springboks’ favour on the back of their 27-20 triumph last weekend in Pretoria.
Ciaran Frawley drop goal snatches famous Ireland win over South Africa
South Africa 24-25 Ireland: The replacement fly half produced a magical moment to secure a drawn series
Ireland captain Caelan Doris reflects on a famous win
“It’s definitely a good feeling finishing a long season with a win like that, right down to the wire and coming out the right side.
“It’s been a long season, we knew what an unbelievable test it was coming over here at the end of the season, playing against the double world champions. We knew it would be a massive test, we’re definitely happy to finish it on a high.”
And here is match-winner Ciaran Frawley, speaking to Sky
“It’s mental. The place is like a fortress, it’s so loud. Today was going back and forth, they had momentum for most of the second half, but the boys dug in deep. I’m delighted!
“The lads that came on added a real impact. There was a really positive vibe, which we needed. The subs were made at the right time. It’s been 55 weeks on the bounce, a long old season, but we’ll look to go back and get even better. We’ve got a lot of learnings from this series and we’ll go again.”
Ireland square the series!
So the series ends 1-1 after two manic, magical Tests. What a shame it is that there is no decider; what a shame it is that, from 2026, there will be few tours of this type at all.
Conor Murray speaks to Sky Sports after Ireland snatch a remarkable victory
“Incredible. To come here to the world champions’ backyard, we knew it was going to be tough. South Africa don’t lose easy. Last week hurt, it was a tough defeat, but the boys fronted up and committed to this week. It wasn’t perfect tonight at all!
“We say we don’t hear what goes on off the field with Rassie, but it adds another element to it. What they’ve done in World Cups, we have huge respect for them, and it’s an honour to go toe-to-toe with them. These are rare times, it’s such a tough thing to do.”
FT: South Africa 24-25 Ireland
Heavens. Punishing, pulsating and decided at the last - what a Test match!
Ciaran Frawley is mobbed by his team mates.
FULL TIME: South Africa 24-25 Ireland
DROP GOAL! South Africa 24-25 IRELAND (Ciaran Frawley, 81 minutes)
EXTRAORDINARY! A MOMENT OF MAJESTY FROM CIARAN FRAWLEY!
South Africa demand the officials look at obstruction but there is nothing untoward in any of the Irish actions. Ireland have snatched it at the last, Frawley dropping ball to boot and securing a remarkable victory!
South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 80 minutes
A penalty here would give Ireland a shot at victory. Or a drop goal? Ciaran Fawley is in the pocket...
South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 79 minutes
...And provided as Caolin Blade plays away. Stuart McCloskey pulls out the back to Ciaran Frawley, who toes ahead for James Lowe....but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is there on the cover!
Still, Ireland’s lineout. Into the last of the 80 minutes as Rob Herring throws.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments