Late Drama Unfolds in Durban as Ireland and Springboks Battle to Share Series Spoils

Late drama unfolded at Kings Park in Durban as Ireland and the Springboks engaged in a fierce battle, resulting in a 25-24 victory for Ireland, leveling the Castle Lager Incoming Series and delivering the Rugby World Cup champions their first defeat since their triumph last year.

The match’s defining moment came from replacement flyhalf Ciaran Frawley, who secured a remarkable win for Ireland with two late drop goals, salvaging a victory that seemed improbable following a spirited Springbok comeback in the second half.

The Springboks faced early setbacks in Durban when Willie le Roux suffered a knock in the second minute after a tackle by James Lowe, leading to his replacement by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who played fullback for the remainder of the match.

Both teams displayed ferocity in the initial minutes, with Eben Etzebeth‘s aggressive play setting the tone, although an offside ruling against him provided Jack Crowley an opportunity to put Ireland ahead 3-0.

Ireland’s urgency on attack paid off with a well-executed inside pass leading to Conor Murray scoring the first try of the match, giving them a 10-0 lead that they maintained until halftime.

Following a penalty and a successful kick by Handre Pollard, the Springboks managed to narrow the gap, but Ireland’s dominance in the kicking game kept them in control.

Trailing by ten points at halftime, the Springboks emerged invigorated after the break, with Pollard’s accurate kicking and smart tactical changes by Rassie Erasmus reshaping the contest.

Despite a yellow card for Caelan Doris and a flurry of penalty goals from Pollard propelling the Springboks into the lead, Frawley’s clutch drop goals in the final minutes secured a dramatic win for Ireland, leaving the series tied.

Scorers: Springboks 24 (6) – Penalty goals: Handre Pollard (8). Ireland 25 (16) – Try: Conor Murray. Conversion: Jack Crowley. Penalty goals: Crowley (4). Drop goals: Ciaran Frawley (2).