The Springboks secured a thrilling 27-20 victory over Ireland in Pretoria, marking their first win against the Irish since 2016, with standout performances and strategic plays that electrified the home crowd.
Pretoria, South Africa (07 July 2024) – In a thrilling rugby match, the Springboks triumphed over Ireland with a score of 27-20 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, marking their first win against the Irish in four attempts since 2016.
This victory in the Castle Lager Incoming Series opener showcased the resilience and skill of the South African team, witnessed by an electrified crowd of 50,066 spectators.
The Springboks kicked off the match with energy and precision, quickly taking control. A beautifully orchestrated play saw the Boks keeping the ball through several phases, varying their attack angles. Pieter-Steph du Toit’s powerful run on the right flank drew in defenders, creating space for Jesse Kriel on the left. With a final pass from Siya Kolisi, Kurt-Lee Arendse darted inside two defenders to score the first try. Handre Pollard’s conversion set the tone for an exhilarating game.
Despite a shaky restart that gave Ireland a chance to retaliate, the Springboks’ defence held firm. Ireland managed to score their first points with a penalty goal from Jack Crowley, but the Boks quickly regained momentum. A series of penalties against the Irish allowed Pollard to extend the lead with two penalty goals, showcasing the Boks’ strategic prowess and relentless pressure.
The game saw its share of drama and unforced errors, particularly in the second half. Ireland’s James Lowe scored after a well-timed inside pass, narrowing the lead. However, Pollard’s missed long-range effort was a rare slip in an otherwise dominant performance by the home side.
The Bomb Squad made their entrance in the 49th minute, with Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Salmaan Moerat, RG Snyman, and Marco Van Staden stepping in to maintain the intensity. Although they conceded a scrum penalty, the Boks’ defence remained resolute, fending off Ireland’s attacks.
The game reignited with a spectacular play by Cheslin Kolbe. After Lowe’s attempt to keep a Pollard touch finder in play, Kolbe seized the moment, kicking the ball ahead into the in-goal area and winning the race to score. The try, confirmed after a lengthy TMO review, was converted by Pollard, boosting the Boks’ lead to 20-8.
The final quarter of the match was a nail-biting affair. Kurt-Lee Arendse received a yellow card, reducing the Boks to 14 men. Ireland capitalized on this advantage, with Conor Murray scoring from an inside pass, reducing the deficit. However, the Springboks responded with a penalty try from a demolished Irish scrum, pushing the lead to 27-13.
Ireland’s Ryan Baird scored with two minutes left, but it was too late to overturn the Boks’ lead. The match concluded with a spilt pass from Ireland, sealing a well-deserved victory for the Springboks.
This victory against the second-ranked team in the world is a significant achievement for the Springboks, demonstrating their skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. The fans at Loftus Versfeld were treated to a game filled with thrilling moments, showcasing the best of South African rugby.
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Springboks edge out Ireland 27-20 in a thrilling clash! 🔥🏉 A powerful display by South Africa, with tries from Arendse, Kolbe, and a penalty try, seals their first win against Ireland since 2016! 💪