South Africa Ends 13-Year Dublin Drought with 24-13 Victory Over Ireland
Springboks Capitalize on Irish Discipline Issues to Secure Historic Win
On November 22, 2025, at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, South Africa’s rugby team achieved a significant 24-13 victory over Ireland, marking their first win in the Irish capital since 2012. The match was characterized by Ireland’s disciplinary challenges, which the Springboks effectively exploited to maintain their unbeaten tour record.
Early Dominance and Irish Penalties Shape the First Half
South Africa set the tone early with tries from Damian Willemse and Cobus Reinach, establishing a commanding lead. Ireland’s discipline faltered, resulting in a 20-minute red card for James Ryan and three yellow cards for Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley, and Andrew Porter. These infractions reduced Ireland to 12 players at one point, allowing the Springboks to capitalize further with a penalty try before halftime, leading 19-7 at the break.
Irish Resilience in the Second Half Falls Short
Despite being outnumbered, Ireland displayed commendable resilience in the second half. Dan Sheehan’s try and two penalties from Prendergast narrowed the gap. However, South Africa’s depth and scrum dominance, particularly in the later stages, secured their victory. A fourth try by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sealed the win for the visitors.
Coaches Reflect on the Match’s Intensity
Irish coach Andy Farrell expressed pride in his team’s determination despite the loss, describing the game as “mad” due to the unprecedented disciplinary issues. He acknowledged the lessons learned and emphasized the valuable experience gained by newer players. South Africa’s coach, Rassie Erasmus, was pleased to break the Dublin losing streak, noting the team’s ability to overcome challenges and hinting at future experimentation to maintain competitiveness.
Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward
This victory solidifies South Africa’s position as a dominant force in international rugby, maintaining their unbeaten tour record and securing a top-four seeding for the 2027 World Cup. For Ireland, the match highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in discipline and composure under pressure. The experience gained will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.
Key Highlights from the Match
- South Africa secured their first win in Dublin since 2012 with a 24-13 victory over Ireland.
- Ireland faced significant disciplinary challenges, receiving one red card and three yellow cards during the match.
- The Springboks’ dominance in scrums and depth in the squad were pivotal in maintaining their unbeaten tour record.