(AFP via Getty Images)
Ireland will look to lay down a further marker of their World Cup ambitions as they host holders South Africa in their first autumn international in Dublin today.
It’s been five years since the nations last met, with Ireland running out as 38-3 winners in 2017, but they will also meet again in next year’s World Cup pool stage. Ireland are still fresh from an historic series victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand last summer and will be among the favourites in France next year. They are building a formidable reputation under Andy Farrell and have become one of the most reliable sides in world rugby.
The Springboks aren’t quite as fearsome as the side that lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy in 201, and failed to capture the Rugby Championship this year as New Zealand prevailed, but they will still offer a huge test and today’s meeting could help set the tone for that battle next year.
Follow all the action as Ireland face reigning world champions South Africa in Dublin with our blog:
HALF TIME! IRELAND 6-6 SOUTH AFRICA
(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle5 November 2022 18:27
PENALTY! Ireland 6-6 SOUTH AFRICA (Cheslin Kolbe penalty, 42 minutes)
Cheslin Kolbe takes over kicking duties from the tee for South Africa, and it’s back to all square as the two sets of players trot off for their oranges.
Harry Latham-Coyle5 November 2022 18:27
Ireland 6-3 South Africa, 39 minutes
With a slight limp, Tadhg Furlong takes up position in Ireland’s defensive lineout, which opts not to compete on this occasion. Siya Kolisi knocks back Josh van der Flier with a nasty carry, and South Africa have an advantage and, soon after, the penalty.
Harry Latham-Coyle5 November 2022 18:25
Ireland 6-3 South Africa, 39 minutes
Poached! James Ryan gets up at the front and steals Malcolm Marx’s lineout throw from the grasp of Eben Etzebeth.
Jimmy O’Brien does very well to then get a solid enough clearance away off his left boot.
A physical contest really is taking a toll – Tadhg Furlong is the latest to drop to floor and take some treatement.
Harry Latham-Coyle5 November 2022 18:24
Ireland 6-3 South Africa, 38 minutes
Andrew Porter drives in too soon at the lineout before the lifted South African player comes to floor. South Africa’s forwards stride down with intent towards the Irish line in menacing pursuit of Damian Willemse’s kick for touch.
Harry Latham-Coyle5 November 2022 18:22
PENALTY! IRELAND 6-3 South Africa (Johnny Sexton penalty, 36 minutes)
Over goes Johnny Sexton’s penalty.
Harry Latham-Coyle5 November 2022 18:21
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 35 minutes
Tthere are a few walking wounded out there: Lood de Jager becomes the second player to depart with his arm in a sling, replaced by Franco Mostert, and Conor Murray has hurt himself; off goes the centurion, on comes Jamison Gibson-Park
Harry Latham-Coyle5 November 2022 18:20
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 34 minutes
Conor Murray makes a half-break, spotting the space as the South Africa lineout tail defenders rush up to try and intercept the pass that never comes.
Ireland toil away in the Springboks’ 22, with Frans Malherbe picked up for a no-arms tackle. Johnny Sexton will, in all likelihood, put the home side back in front.
Harry Latham-Coyle5 November 2022 18:18
Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 33 minutes
A free kick to South Africa, and Damian Willemse briefly has a brain-fart, starting his run-up to punt but pausing when he sees Andrew Porter approaching, as the prop is permitted to. Willemse just about remembers the law in time, hacking away a clearance in a hurried manner.
Harry Latham-Coyle5 November 2022 18:16
No try! Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 32 minutes
Knocked on! He did get there first, but that’s not even close to a proper grounding, reaching between the arms of Jesse Kriel but bouncing it basketball-style.
It was good until then from Sheehan, rushing up to block Damian Willemse’s clearance, beating the fly-half to the loose ball and toeing it on. No try.
Harry Latham-Coyle5 November 2022 18:14
