Ireland 19 – 16 South Africa

Mack Hansen scored one of two Ireland tries as they recorded victory over the Springboks in Dublin

Two tries in two second-half minutes proved crucial as Ireland consolidated their No 1 ranking in world rugby with a bruising 19-16 victory over world champions South Africa at the Aviva Stadium. 

Openside flanker Josh van der Flier and wing Mack Hansen both struck early in the second half, after skipper Johnny Sexton had landed two first-half penalties, before adding a crucial third with six minutes remaining.

In a Test beset by injuries and ferociously physical confrontations, a pair of penalties was all South Africa could muster in Dublin until replacement lock Franco Mostert scored a try with 13 minutes to go to set up a nervy finish, and wing Kurt-Lee Arendse added a second with three minutes left.

The visitors also had full-back Cheslin Kolbe sin-binned in the opening half for a dangerous lift in the tackle on Hansen.

A raucous home crowd saluted another big step forward for Andy Farrell’s charges come full-time, as they secured victory over the Springboks in a first meeting against the world champions since 2017 – with both sides drawn together in Pool B at next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Farrell’s Ireland next host Fiji at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, November 12, in a 1pm (GMT) kick-off for the second of their three autumn internationals this Test window.

For Jacques Nienaber and the Springboks, they next travel to face France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, November 12, in an 8pm (GMT) kick-off.