Match Report: Ireland vs South Africa
Photo: Anton Geyser
Ireland beat the Springboks 29 – 15 in Dublin on Saturday.
The visitors dominated large parts of the first half and only had themselves to blame when they headed into the hut trailing 6-3. Jonathan Sexton slotting two penalties to Handré Pollard’s one. The Springboks decision to chase tries from lineouts instead of taking two kickable penalties in the first forty backfired.
Ireland went into a 13 – 3 lead early in the 2nd half when Rhys Ruddock, who was promoted from the bench shortly before the start of the test crossed the whitewash. Sexton adding the extras.
South Africa managed to strike back in the 56th minute, narrowing their deficit to 3 points when Flanker Marcell Coetzee crashed over after a driving maul from a lineout. Pollard succeeded with the conversion (13 – 10).
Sexton stretched the home sides lead to 16 – 10 after Duane Vermeulen was pinned for a high tackle in the 63rd minute.
With 14 minutes on the clock French referee Romain Poite sent Bok replacement hooker, Adriaan Strauss to the sin bin for tackling Rob Kearney whilst the fullback was still in the air. This would cost the visitors ten points in as many minutes.
Ireland’s ongoing pressure resulted in a penalty 3 minutes later. Sexton didn’t disappoint increasing his sides lead to 19 – 10.
Irish wing Tommy Bowe was next to score after he followed up a brilliant Conor Murray chip kick, crashing over in the corner. Sexton succeeded with a difficult conversion and with 7 minutes of play left Ireland were leading 26 – 10.
South Africa’s misery continued when Schalk Burger was pensalised for side entry in the 78th minute. Ian Madigan, who replaced Sexton, increased Ireland’s lead to 29 – 10.
JP Pietersen finished off a brilliant move by the Boks a minute later. But too little to late from the Visitors. Lambie missed the conversion attempt.
Jonathan Sexton produced a man of the match performance on the day scoring 16 of his sides points. The sharpshooters boot making the Springboks pay for their ill discipline at crucial stages of the game.
Ireland made better use of their opportunities and deserved the win after a spirited performance.
The Springboks were simply not good enough on the day.
Scorers:
Ireland: (6) 29
Tries: Ruddock (43rd min), Bowe (72nd min)
Cons: Sexton 2 Pens: Sexton 4, Madigan
Springboks: (3) 15
Tries: Coetzee (56th min), Pietersen (79th min)
Cons: Pollard Pens: Pollard
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