Ireland secured a remarkable victory against South Africa as Ciaran Frawley’s last-minute drop goal secured a one-point win in Durban.

Frawley dropped into the pocket to send the tourists into wild celebrations having survived a brutal second Test. An extraordinary encounter was settled by a moment of majesty from the replacement Ireland fly half, Frawley knocking over his second drop goal of the match to pip the Springboks.

It secured a draw for the tourists in a two-Test series that delivered on its lofty billing. South Africa had won the first Test in Pretoria thanks to the impact of their bench and appeared to again be taking control at the Shark Tank, with Handre Pollard’s accuracy from the tee putting them on the brink of victory.

The fly half’s eighth penalty had appeared to put the hosts out of reach until Frawley stepped up to slot three points with the clock expiring and snatch a famous win for Andy Farrell’s side.

Re-live all of the action from South Africa vs Ireland below:

South Africa vs Ireland second Test

• Ciaran Frawley drop goal snatches victory at the last for Ireland in Durban

• FT: South Africa 24-25 Ireland

• DROP GOAL! South Africa 24-22 IRELAND (Ciaran Frawley, 70 minutes)i

• PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 18-16 Ireland (Handre Pollard, 57 minutes)

• HT: South Africa 6-16 Ireland

• TRY! South Africa 0-10 IRELAND (Conor Murray, 14 minutes)

• KICK OFF!

Ireland captain Caelan Doris reflects on a famous win

18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It’s definitely a good feeling finishing a long season with a win like that, right down to the wire and coming out the right side.

“It’s been a long season, we knew what an unbelievable test it was coming over here at the end of the season, playing against the double world champions. We knew it would be a massive test, we’re definitely happy to finish it on a high.”

And here is match-winner Ciaran Frawley, speaking to Sky

18:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It’s mental. The place is like a fortress, it’s so loud. Today was going back and forth, they had momentum for most of the second half, but the boys dug in deep. I’m delighted!

“The lads that came on added a real impact. There was a really positive vibe, which we needed. The subs were made at the right time. It’s been 55 weeks on the bounce, a long old season, but we’ll look to go back and get even better. We’ve got a lot of learnings from this series and we’ll go again.”

Ireland square the series!

18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So the series ends 1-1 after two manic, magical Tests. What a shame it is that there is no decider; what a shame it is that, from 2026, there will be few tours of this type at all.

Conor Murray speaks to Sky Sports after Ireland snatch a remarkable victory

18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Incredible. To come here to the world champions’ backyard, we knew it was going to be tough. South Africa don’t lose easy. Last week hurt, it was a tough defeat, but the boys fronted up and committed to this week. It wasn’t perfect tonight at all!

“We say we don’t hear what goes on off the field with Rassie, but it adds another element to it. What they’ve done in World Cups, we have huge respect for them, and it’s an honour to go toe-to-toe with them. These are rare times, it’s such a tough thing to do.”

FT: South Africa 24-25 Ireland

18:06 , Jack Rathborn

Heavens. Punishing, pulsating and decided at the last - what a Test match!

Ciaran Frawley is mobbed by his team mates.

FULL TIME: South Africa 24-25 Ireland

18:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

DROP GOAL! South Africa 24-25 IRELAND (Ciaran Frawley, 81 minutes)

18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

EXTRAORDINARY! A MOMENT OF MAJESTY FROM CIARAN FRAWLEY!

South Africa demand the officials look at obstruction but there is nothing untoward in any of the Irish actions. Ireland have snatched it at the last, Frawley dropping ball to boot and securing a remarkable victory!

South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 80 minutes

18:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A penalty here would give Ireland a shot at victory. Or a drop goal? Ciaran Fawley is in the pocket...

South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 79 minutes

18:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

...And provided as Caolin Blade plays away. Stuart McCloskey pulls out the back to Ciaran Frawley, who toes ahead for James Lowe....but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is there on the cover!

Still, Ireland’s lineout. Into the last of the 80 minutes as Rob Herring throws.

South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 78 minutes

17:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kncokced on by Marco van Staden! A firm double tackle from Peter O’Mahony and Rob Herring forces Van Staden to cough it up.

Work to do for Ireland’s front row, though, just outside their own 22. A stable platform is a must...

South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 77 minutes

17:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another excellent high take from James Lowe, who has been rock solid in that regard. Ah, another mishap from Ireland in attack, Ciaran Frawley chancing his arm by employing his boot and overhitting his crossfield kick. How many more chances will they get in possession?

Aching bodies on both sides slap themselves into shape for the denouement.

South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 76 minutes

17:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Jamie Osborne trade kicks, the replacement South Africa full-back slicing his slightly to give Osborne plenty of time for a touchfinder. It’s decently deep, but the Springboks won’t mind too much as 60 more precious seconds tick away.

South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 75 minutes

17:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A wayward pass and out of play it sails! Oh, Robbie Henshaw, that’s not good at all, a hurried hurl out towards James Lowe but some five metres in front of the withdrawn wing. Lowe throws an expletive into the Durban night as we enter the final five minutes.

South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 74 minutes

17:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A sharp Blade snipe then earns Ireland a penalty. Ciaran Frawley punts them into South Africa’s half.

South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 73 minutes

17:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Lowe misses touch, Cheslin Kolbe roaring back and bumping off Caolin Blade, on earlier for Conor Murray at scrum half.

Handre Pollard sends three team mates off in pursuit of a high hoist but Lowe is secure beneath it.

South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 72 minutes

17:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The final ten minutes last week were wacky, wild and wondrous - what does today have in store?

Cheslin Kolbe is cut down to size and forced into touch after South Africa threaten up the right. Eben Etzebeth’s wound has re-opened, and though the lock tries to send the medics away, he’ll have to be seen to.

DROP GOAL! South Africa 24-22 IRELAND (Ciaran Frawley, 70 minutes)

17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A brilliant drop goal and Ireland cut the lead! Ciaran Frawley is tossed the ball soon after South Africa’s goal line dropout and slots it from 45 metres.

South Africa 24-19 Ireland, 69 minutes

17:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

HELD UP! Cian Healy tries to force between RG Synman and Pieter-Steph du Toit, ever ill-advised, and despite a punchy carry can’t force ball to floor over the line.

South Africa 24-19 Ireland, 68 minutes

17:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now then. Vincent Koch is penalised for holding on and Ireland look briefly at the posts, but Caelan Doris and Peter O’Mahony point to the corner.

And they get away with one! Rob Herring dummies his lineout throw and awaits the referee’s whistle, but South Africa are deemed to have closed the gap before the hooker’s misfire. Herring will tap and drive from five out.

South Africa 24-19 Ireland, 67 minutes

17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Can Ireland conjure some late magic to twist this tale again? That’ll help, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu eating up ground to ensure an Irish kick does not make touch but slicing his own reply out on the full having exited the safety of his own 22.

PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 24-19 Ireland (Handre Pollard, 66 minutes)

17:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s not a scintillating solo by any means but Handre Pollard is sending South Africa towards victory. Another heavy beat from his boot and penalty eight of the day is dispatched effectively.

South Africa 21-19 Ireland, 64 minutes

17:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty against Bealham! Similar issues on set-up, but the replacement tighthead is this time found guilty.

South Africa 21-19 Ireland, 63 minutes

17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A Springbok knock on at the lineout. Down for a scrum, which’ll be reset with Gerhard Steenekamp and Finlay Bealham each arguing they should be rewarded with a penalty.

South Africa 21-19 Ireland, 62 minutes

17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A lot has gone right for Jamie Osborne tonight but that is an error he may regret, letting Grant Williams’ kick bounce presuming that it will travel into touch and instead watching it skip past him. Back he scrambles but South Africa drive the full-back out.

PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 21-19 Ireland (Handre Pollard, 61 minutes)

17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Handre Pollard is the coolest man in the contest. A fifth penalty of the half.

South Africa 18-19 Ireland, 60 minutes

17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This encounter is swinging back and forth like a slender shrub in a storm. Ireland are penalised again...

PENALTY! South Africa 18-19 IRELAND (Jack Crowley, 60 minutes)

17:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jack Crowley’s last act is pushing Ireland back in front. Ciaran Frawley replaces the fly half.

South Africa 18-16 Ireland, 58 minutes

17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Soft from South Africa. Kwagga Smith topples over a ruck to concede a penalty, which should allow Jack Crowley to reply instantly to Pollard’s latest prod, and Caelan Doris to return with his ten minutes served.

Both sides have new looseheads, by the way: Gerhard Steenekamp for Ox Nche and Cian Healy for Andrew Porter.

PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 18-16 Ireland (Handre Pollard, 57 minutes)

17:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Six of the best from Handre Pollard. South Africa lead in Durban.

South Africa 15-16 Ireland, 55 minutes

17:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off go the Springboks, scampering and stomping through the savannah with ominous intent. RG Snyman, Malcolm Marx and Kwagga Smith are all involved. Ireland are forced to infringe with the dam threatening to burst.

FOUL PLAY DECISION! South Africa 12-16 Ireland, 51 minutes

17:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Caelan Doris will be back. The foul play process has concluded and it will stay a yellow card due to the “dynamics of the second player [James Ryan]” in the challenge. Ireland will be restored to a full complement in about four minutes.

PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 15-16 Ireland (Handre Pollard, 53 minutes)

17:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Copy, paste - more points for Handre Pollard and the world champions are back within a point.

South Africa 12-16 Ireland, 51 minutes

17:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland do a decent job of escaping their own territory but back the waves of thunderous carriers come. Eben Etzebeth peels back a defender with an upright charge, before Malcolm Marx bowls over Josh van der Flier.

Tadhg Beirne appears to have won a breakdown turnover but Karl Dickson does not reward the blindside. James Ryan is penalised for offside as he launches off the line after the next ruck.

South Africa 12-16 Ireland, 50 minutes

17:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here come the world champions. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezullu has been utterly outstanding since the resumption, another lively dart on the counter sparking South Africa before an intelligent diagonal thread through hands Ireland a lineout five metres from their own line.

Ireland are down their captain, and the Springboks voluntarily rid themselves of theirs - Rassie Erasmus calls Siya Kolisi in with Marco van Staden on to the openside.

PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 12-16 Ireland (Handre Pollard, 49 minutes)

17:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Handre Pollard’s boot is true. Has the momentum started to really swing?

YELLOW CARD! Caelan Doris is sent to the sin bin! South Africa 9-16 Ireland, 48 minutes

17:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland lose their captain for ten minutes and maybe more! James Ryan finished the roll off but it is Caelan Doris who is deemed to have been the initial, and more significant, offender. Thankfully, Malcolm Marx appears to be alright but we’ve seen so many ruptured ligament injuries from exactly that sort of action.

Off Doris goes to the sin bin as the foul play review official gets to work. Remember, they have eight minutes to assess whether to upgrade to a red.

South Africa 9-16 Ireland, 47 minutes

17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

In fact, the officials want to give this a longer look. Was that a (now outlawed) crocodile on Malcolm Marx from James Ryan?

South Africa 9-16 Ireland, 47 minutes

17:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two more tactical changes for South Africa. Enter the advance party for the Bomb Squad, Vincent Koch on for Frans Malherbe and birthday boy Malcolm Marx replacing Bongi Mbonambi. The replacement hooker is 30 today.

Ireland pass their first examination, but are penalised at a ruck 35 out from their own line after South Africa kick and cahse with aplomb. This might be another chance for Pollard to punch a hole in Ireland’s lead.

South Africa 9-16 Ireland, 46 minutes

17:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Head injury assessments for both teams. Tadhg Furlong looked dazed a couple of minutes ago and the medics have finally intervened, removing the tighthead from the field. Finlay Bealham is on.

Faf de Klerk will also be checked out, though is moving a little better that Furlong towards the touchline. Grant Williams, South Africa’s only remaining backs replacement of course, is on at scrum half.

PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 9-16 Ireland (Handre Pollard, 45 minutes)

17:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Handre Pollard puts through three more.

South Africa 6-16 Ireland, 44 minutes

17:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is fizzing. He looked a bit shellshocked at times in the first half having been thrown into the deep end at the Shark Tank after Willie le Roux’s injury in the opening minutes, but since returning for this second 40 minutes he’s already left six Irish defenders on their rumps with dazzling footwork.

Ireland are penalised within Handre Pollard’s range.

South Africa 6-16 Ireland, 42 minutes

17:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A wretched decision from Faf de Klerk! The scrum half isn’t having his best afternoon, men waiting away to the left but dropping ball to toe. Ireland block and flop upon it, releasing a deep sigh of relief before sucking in a few big ones to regather their lungs. How many chances will South Africa waste today?!?

South Africa 6-16 Ireland, 41 minutes

17:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Joe McCarthy gets up to disrupt a South Africa lineout, but Ireland’s joy proves short lived, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu creating something spectacular on the counter-attack. Cheslin Kolbe is just about kept out by James Lowe over on the right touchline but here come the heavy mob...

Second half...

17:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back underway in Durban.

HT: South Africa 6-16 Ireland

17:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A ten-point advantage then for Ireland, but it could have been more if not for that remarkable bit of strength from Pieter-Steph du Toit at the end of the half. Still, Andy Farrell will be mightily pleased with how his side have fronted up physically in a brutal first half, the Springboks shorn of two key figures in Franco Mostert and Willie le Roux and wasteful at times in the tourists’ 22.

Loads more to come, though, in what feels a battle of attrition. This beautifully worked Conor Murray try is the highlight so far.

HALF TIME: South Africa 6-16 Ireland

16:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

PENALTY! South Africa 6-16 IRELAND (Jack Crowley, 42 minutes)

16:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Over it goes.

South Africa 6-13 Ireland, 42 minutes

16:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Ireland won’t dare giving up points to chase a try. Jack Crowley’s third penalty will be the final kick of the first half.

South Africa 6-13 Ireland, 41 minutes

16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a tackle from Pieter-Steph du Toit! It appears that Caelan Doris has wrestled free of the blindside’s clutches but those long limbs have somehow remained locked around the Ireland captain, hauling him back!

Ireland plough on and earn a penalty but that was a try-saver for certain.

South Africa 6-13 Ireland, 39 minutes

16:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Ireland flip the field! James Lowe gets away up the left touchline and then tonks onwards with that mallet of a left boot, Handre Pollard slipping as he picks up the pieces and caught beyond his own try line.

A five-metre scrum. A huge chance for Ireland with the half-time hooter about to sound...

South Africa 6-13 Ireland, 38 minutes

16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is one of the most error-ridden halves I can recall from the Springboks. Handre Pollard sends his restart at least ten yards too deep and Ireland dot it down in goal to take a scrum back on halfway.

PENALTY! South Africa 6-13 IRELAND (Jack Crowley, 38 minutes)

16:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Ireland fly half obliges from the tee. Another simple one for Crowley.

South Africa 6-10 Ireland, 36 minutes

16:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More running repairs for Eben Etzebeth, three bandages now wrapped around his face.

Jack Crowley sends up a Garryowen that lands between a retreating Pieter-Steph du Toit and arriving Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Du Toit’s sly look and naughty nudge on a chasing Robbie Henshaw should allow Crowley to open up Ireland’s advantage again.

PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 6-10 Ireland (Handre Pollard, 35 minutes)

16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two from two for the South Africa fly half.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 34 minutes

16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland are really, really struggling to get on Karl Dickson’s side at scrum time. There’s loads of weight on early from South Africa but Dickson permits Ox Nche to get back up off a knee, and Tadhg Furlong is penalised by one of the English referee’s assistants as he then collapses.

Handre Pollard will look to double his tally.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 33 minutes

16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another missed opportunity for the Springboks! Their meatiest man mass at the maul but there’s a missed connection in the transfer, the ball tumbling between the bodies to the floor.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 32 minutes

16:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A penalty against Ireland. South Africa find the corner.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 32 minutes

16:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa is known for a nice drop of red but the amount of claret in this game is incredible. Crowley’s face is the latest bloodied in contact, though it’s a relatively minor repair job required. It’s been brutal again in Durban.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 31 minutes

16:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out of the line Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose fly to get to South Africa’s second receivers, Henshaw’s shoulder making contact with Handre Pollard’s pass to deny the fly half a chance to spread the ball wide. It will be a Springboks scrum when Jack Crowley - the latest player requiring treatment - is ready to resume.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 30 minutes

16:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wasteful from Faf de Klerk! Just as momentum builds and Ireland’s defensive intensity begins to ease, De Klerk hands make a hash of a pick up as he hurries to get the ball away.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 29 minutes

16:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Springbok players cry foul to the referee, believing there was a naughty Irish hand in that ruck to force the error. TMO Ian Tempest is asked to check it in the background but can’t find anything.

Both captains are really pestering Karl Dickson. Caelan Doris is now in his ear about a South Africa tackle, but again there’s nothing clear and obvious for formal review. Ireland’s clearance travels out on the full to gift the hosts an attacking lineout in advanced territory.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 27 minutes

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Charged down! But somehow Ireland survive! My oh my, what a let off for Jack Crowley, thumping the ball into Kwagga Smith inside his own half in a seemingly fatal mistake.

Smith was a sevens star in his youth and might have gone the distance had he picked up slightly more cleanly, but the need to turn to collect the bobbling ball forces him off stride. Jamie Osborne gets back, and Garry Ringrose too, and a knock on at the next breakdown saves Crowley’s bacon!

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 26 minutes

16:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So close for South Africa! It’s a fabulously flat pass from Handre Pollard, singing the eyebrows of two Irish defenders and finding the belly of Cheslin Kolbe, who seems almost surprised that it gets to him. To the floor it tumbles with only Jamie Osborne in front of the hot-stepping wing.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 25 minutes

16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Can South Africa’s scrum work them into the game? Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter are both under pressure and it’s the latter pinged for stepping out as Frans Malherbe puts the power on. Two in a row against Porter in the scrum skirmishes.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 24 minutes

16:35 , Jack Rathborn

Cheslin Kolbe’s chase has to be good with Handre Pollard again failing to find touch even from his own 22, but the wing makes sure there is no room for manouevre for Jamie Osborne, gathering him in those sinewy forearms.

Ireland are starting to get joy in the air, though. Jack Crowley is waiting his contestables very nicely and Calvin Nash forces a spill in the South Africa backfield. It has travelled forward from Nash’s hands, but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will be well seasoned if this peppering continues.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 23 minutes

16:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gah! Frustrated sighs from Ireland as they begin to run South Africa ragged but don’t quite find the scoring pass, Calvin Nash unaware of a looping Garry Ringrose with green grass ahead of him on the outside. The wing instead takes contact and Tadhg Beirne shells a flat pass from the influential Jamie Osborne.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 22 minutes

16:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Springboks are electing to kick long and in play rather than find touch, which is granting Ireland plenty of possession and opportunity. James Lowe beats two and almost a third, De Klerk just about laying a bear trap in time to catch the wing at his ankles.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 21 minutes

16:30 , Jack Rathborn

A brilliant kick from Jack Crowley, a bad bounce over the touchline costing him a 50:22 but still a significant territorial gain. Sacha Feinberg-MNgomezulu was perhaps just slightly too far infield, there.

Bongi Mbonambi hits Eben Etzebeth at the front and South Africa clear their lines through Faf de Klerk.

South Africa 3-10 Ireland, 20 minutes

16:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jamie Osborne just appears to have a bit more confidence about him this week having grown into his Test debut seven days ago. The Leinster back, remember, spent most of this season in the centres but is showing his natural eye for a counter-attacking a gap, again threatening the Springboks’ chasing line having claimed a long punt.

PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 3-10 Ireland (Handre Pollard, 19 minutes)

16:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A rare off day from the tee last week, but Handre Pollard’s right on the money first up here. Central, 45 metres, and no issues whatsoever as the flags go up.

South Africa 0-10 Ireland, 18 minutes

16:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Perhaps not so minor. Franco Mostert is limping off, RG Snyman’s return to the bench rather like that GIF of Abe Simpson.

Another significant blow for South Africa, but Snyman’s extra mass might be handy at scrum time. Ox Nche and Frans Malherbe do the job ahead of him to earn a kickable penalty.

South Africa 0-10 Ireland, 17 minutes

16:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa are just scrambling a bit here, a few early interruptions and disruptions not allowing them to find their flow. It would appear Willie le Roux’s day is indeed done, the veteran full-back shaking his head on the bench.

Franco Mostert is down again. The lock’s leg is being looked at though it appears relatively minor. Eben Etzebeth returns while his second row partner is treated.

TRY! South Africa 0-10 IRELAND (Conor Murray, 14 minutes)

16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A delightful, devastating line from Jamie Osborne and Conor Murray is there to capitalise!

That’s outstanding from Ireland! It all comes from a huge tackle from Ox Nche, rocking back a rampaging Caelan Doris and perhaps shifting the entire continent too with a remarkably strong shot. But South Africa fail to gather themselves defensively thereafter, and the visitors go to work, Jack Crowley fading on Murray’s sharp pass and flicking inside for Osborne.

Through a gap he goes with a juggle, looking outside to Robbie Henshaw, who returns inside to Murray to complete the job. Superb!

South Africa 0-3 Ireland, 13 minutes

16:20 , Jack Rathborn

A colossal carry from Joe McCarthy, Ireland’s lock lumping a Springbok out of the way and then lumbering on. Now then, a cross kick...well handled by South Africa, Handre Pollard just about getting up enough to deny a leaping Robbie Henshaw.

South Africa 0-3 Ireland, 12 minutes

16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jack Crowley matches his fly half counterpart with a kicking error. The Munster ten looks to carve to the corner having dropped into the pocket just inside Ireland’s half, but slices his kick, sending it out on the full.

He’s spared somewhat by Bongi Mbonambi failing to find his jumper at the lineout. Ronan Kelleher’s hack ahead turns the hosts and back Ireland will come on kick return.

South Africa 0-3 Ireland, 11 minutes

16:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s poor from Handre Pollard. Ireland’s defence through four phases is fierce but Pollard gets impatient much too quickly, trying an extravagnant switch of direction and chip kick. Ill-conceived, ill-executed and all too easily marked by Calvin Nash.

South Africa 0-3 Ireland, 10 minutes

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An awkward collision between Jamie Osborne and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Osborne haring after Jack Crowley’s up-and-under and keeping his eyes on the ball but nudged into the leaping South African by Jesse Kriel. Just a penalty, referee Karl Dickson says, and Ian Tempest’s quick review of the footage sees the TMO reach the same conclusion.

South Africa 0-3 Ireland, 9 minutes

16:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What is going on with the South Africa locks! Now it is Eben Etzebeth cast in red paint, a gash on his forehead opened up and requiring a trip down the tunnel. RG Snyman will stay out there this time until Etzebeth is repaired.

South Africa 0-3 Ireland, 8 minutes

16:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s first touch is collecting a clearance kick that has already travelled out. He’s a top talent, the Stormer, capable of covering 10, 12 or 15 at a high level, but losing Willie le Roux would be a major, major blow if the starting full-back is unable to return.

A canny kick from Faf de Klerk very nearly springs Cheslin Kolbe, but the bounce is unkind, and Conor Murray’s cover is shrewd. South Africa are soon penalised.

PENALTY! South Africa 0-3 IRELAND (Jack Crowley, 6 minutes)

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland are on the board. A clean, crisp strike for Jack Crowley to open.

South Africa 0-0 Ireland, 5 minutes

16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A few whistles from the crowd as South Africa are free kicked for Bongi Mbonambi’s removal of the brake foot at scrum time. Ireland tap and go, as they have to now with no scrum option, and draw another free kick with the hosts not back ten.

Etzebeth’s pinching paws get to the ball once more to disrupt Ireland’s rhythm, but he was offside this time. Jack Crowley beckons for the tee.

South Africa 0-0 Ireland, 4 minutes

16:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Outstanding anticipation from Eben Etzebeth as he intercepts Conor Murray’s pass for an onrushing Tadhg Beirne, but the lock can’t quite gather cleanly. He’s so good at timing those interventions, as France will of course attest from Paris last October.

South Africa 0-0 Ireland, 3 minutes

16:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off goes Willie le Roux for a head injury assessment, James Lowe’s knee having made contact with the full-back’s head as the Irish wing carried. A blow if he’s done; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu faces the biggest test of his young career.

There might be a second change, too. Franco Mostert is covered in claret and out trots RG Snyman, but the hulking second row is sent back to the bench with the medics electing to strap Mostert up, shirt bloodied as if he’s coming off shift at the abattoir. Apt.

South Africa 0-0 Ireland, 2 minutes

16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland look to stretch their hosts but are driven back beyond halfway, South Africa’s linespeed accurate and their tackling thumping. Jack Crowley tries to find a grubber but has it blocked by a pair of leaping Springbok legs.

That’s a better kick, Garry Ringrose threading up the touchline. Handre Pollard crabs across to cover and clear, and we’ll take a pause with a couple of players down already.

South Africa 0-0 Ireland, 1 minute

16:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A crunching hit first up from the Irish chasers, James Ryan in the thick of things after his recall to the starting side. South Africa reply in kind, belting Jamie Osborne as the full-back comes down to deck having taken a high bomb.

KICK OFF!

16:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jack Crowley drops boot to ball and the second Test is underway in Durban!

Anthems

16:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two pleasant renditions of the anthems, though “Ireland’s Call” is rather put in the shade by 50,000 full-throated South African supporters belting out for all their worth.

England’s Karl Dickson has the whistle and will soon get proceedings up and running.

South Africa vs Ireland

15:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out into Kings Park, or the Shark Tank as it is more often known, come the Irish players. One of Ireland’s (far too regular) World Cup quarter-final heartbreaks came here in Durban in 1995, France powering away late on to take that last eight encounter.

Siya Kolisi leads the Springboks out to a mighty noise from the home support.

South Africa vs Ireland

15:55 , Jack Rathborn

Siya Kolisi: “It (complaints) happens so much that we just don’t care. If you look at the rule book you will see that none of the stuff we do breaks any rules.

“You never hear us speaking about other team’s tactics, the focus is always only us and what works for this team. It is all about what we need to do on Saturday. It is always related to the teams we are playing. The coaches explain to us what they want, and we understand the selection around that.

“We don’t know why people always have something to say about what we do but we never say anything about them. But it’s fine, they can keep talking, we’ll just keep focusing on what we do, and if it doesn’t work then we can change it, but we don’t sit and dwell on it.”

South Africa vs Ireland

15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s two from two so far today for the Rugby Championship sides, with Argentina hosting a second-string, scandal-hit France a little later. It’s Andy Farrell’s 50th game today as Ireland look to restore a bit of Northern Hemisphere pride.

“We are always looking for ways of growing our leadership group and team,” Farrell tells Sky ahead of kick of. “There are always challenges ,but the main challenge for this week is making sure we are a better version of ourselves. South Africa are going to be better, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

South Africa vs Ireland

15:45 , Jack Rathborn

South Africa vs Ireland

15:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This would be some win if Ireland pull it off today. In Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Bundee Aki and Hugo Keenan they are missing the spine of their side, four figures who have been so influential over the last 12 months particularly. We’ve seen them triumph through adversity in the past, and there is still plenty of quality in their 23, but they are certainly up against it Durban.

Caelan Doris: Ireland have belief and extra edge ahead of South Africa clash

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stand-in skipper Caelan Doris feels a painful review of Ireland’s opening Test defeat to South Africa has given his side an extra edge going into the series finale.

Andy Farrell’s back-to-back Six Nations champions made a slow start in Pretoria last weekend and, despite an improved second-half showing, slipped to a 27-20 loss to the Springboks.

Caelan Doris: Ireland have belief and extra edge ahead of South Africa clash

South Africa vs Ireland

15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

After that scrum last week, all eyes will be on what impact the South Africa bench can have this evening as the Bomb Squad look to again make their powerful presence known in the second half. Ireland actually enjoyed a bit of early success against the replacement Springboks front row, but the sheer size and skill of the burly blokes eventually told. While many of the faces are familiar, the penalty try was a moment on debut that Gerhard Steenekamp will no doubt tell any future grandchildren about, the Bulls loosehead building off the back of an excellent season in the United Rugby Championship to make a real impression.

It’s probably worth at least one more look...

South Africa vs Ireland: Bundee Aki injury a big blow

15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Influential centre Bundee Aki starred at last year’s World Cup in France and had started all of Ireland’s major matches since round three of the 2023 Six Nations.

Following a bruising opening encounter, the 34-year-old’s physicality and bullish ball-carrying skills will be a big miss.

Robbie Henshaw has shifted to inside centre to fill the void and will be joined in midfield by Leinster team-mate Ringrose, who will make his first international start since the World Cup after injury ruined his Six Nations campaign.

South Africa vs Ireland: Centres of attention

15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel go past Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie as the most capped centre pairing in Springboks history today, the duo in many ways embodying the best qualities of this South Africa side. It is as much for their defensive ability as their attacking gifts that they have commanded their places for so long but De Allende particularly showed off his array of skills with the Springboks evolving towards a more adventurous gameplan last week, the inside centre impressing as both a carrier and distributor.

“Last week’s game was a proper test match,” De Allende said earlier this wek. “It was good to be part of the match, and we know how tough they are. We have no doubt they’ll come at us even harder this week.

“They’ll definitely come out firing, and I think they may try a few new things and possibly play a more expansive game. But we really want to win this one and build good momentum.”

Andy Farrell knows Ireland are more than capable of beating South Africa

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Andy Farrell expects world champions South Africa to be “twice as good” during the second Test in Durban but believes Ireland can still salvage a series draw.

The Springboks will bid to cement their status as Test rugby’s top-ranked nation on Saturday following last weekend’s 27-20 success in Pretoria.

Ireland have not lost consecutive Test matches since round two of the 2021 Six Nations and head coach Farrell hopes to see significant room for improvement from his side.

Andy Farrell knows Ireland are more than capable of beating South Africa

14:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland are without Craig Casey after the worrying incident involving the scrum half in Pretoria, while Dan Sheehan’s suspected ACL tear is likely to rule him out until next year. Bundee Aki’s shoulder injury has given Andy Farrell more reason to fret, though Garry Ringrose impressed off the bench last week and unites with long-time centre partner Robbie Henshaw.

Caelan Doris captains the side with Peter O’Mahony only on the bench as Tadhg Beirne moves into the back row. Lock James Ryan, scrum half Conor Murray and hooker Ronan Kelleher are brought in to the starting side.

Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan; 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Conor Murray, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 James Lowe, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Calvin Nash; 15 Jamie Osborne.

Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Ryan Baird, 20 Peter O’Mahony; 21 Caolin Blade, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Stuart McCloskey.

South Africa team news

14:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rassie Erasmus is able to name the most experienced Springboks side in history as the South Africa coach sticks with an unchanged matchday 23. Six forwards are again included among the replacements after making a decisive impact in the first Test.

South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 3 Frans Malherbe; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Franco Mostert; 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Kwagga Smith; 9 Faf de Klerk, 10 Handre Pollard; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Willie le Roux.

Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Marco van Staden; 22 Grant Williams, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

South Africa vs Ireland talking points

14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland have not lost two Test matches in a row since defeat to Wales and France at the start of the 2021 Six Nations.

Since then, Farrell’s men have played 38 games and won 33, losing only to New Zealand (twice), France, England and the Springboks. Ireland will be determined to maintain that impressive record as they move towards autumn fixtures against the All Blacks, Argentina, Fiji and Australia.

The four November fixtures will be the final outings before Farrell temporarily departs to take charge of next year’s British and Irish Lions tour against the Wallabies.

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