Ireland recorded an historic victory over South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday, with Leinster’s Devin Toner picking up the man of the match award.
Ireland had the better of the opening exchanges, Jared Payne going over for a try and Paddy Jackson converting for a 0-7 lead with 12 minutes played.
The Springboks registered their first score through Patrick Lambie to make it 3-7, but Jackson knocked over a penalty of his own soon after to restore Ireland’s seven-point lead.
A few minutes later came the game’s biggest talking point as CJ Stander saw red after colliding with Lambie. Stander went up to attempt to block down a kick from the Springbok out-half and
Ten minutes later South Africa were ahead. An Elton Jantjies penalty cut the deficit to four points and a few minutes later Lwazi Mvovo went over for the Springboks’ first try. The conversion from Jantjies made it 13-10, and with Robbie Henshaw sent to the sin bin it was looking like an uphill struggle for the boys in green.
However, the sides went in level at the break after a Jackson drop goal tied it at 13-13.
Early in the second half Ireland’s lead was restored as Conor Murray went over in the 43rd minute, Jackson’s conversion making it 13-20.
The 14 men kept South Africa scoreless for most of the second half, and their lead was extended when Jackson scored a 68th minute penalty for a 13-23 lead.
A minute later, though, the Springboks were in for their second try after a Jackson pass was intercepted close to the Irish line by Pieter-Steph du Toit, who went over under the posts.
Jackson kicked his third penalty of the evening in the 77th minute for a six-point lead. South Africa needed a try in the final seconds, coming close, but JP Pietersen was dragged into touch as he went looking for the line.
Ireland face South Africa in the second Test this Saturday at 4pm (Irish time).
