In a nail-biting finish to their rugby Test series, Ireland clinched a historic 25-24 victory over South Africa at Kings Park, Durban on July 13, 2024. The match was decided in the final seconds by Ciaran Frawley’s expertly executed drop goal, marking only the second time Ireland has beaten the Springboks on South African soil.The Irish team, led by head coach Andy Farrell, showed remarkable resilience throughout the match. Despite trailing 16-6 at halftime, they mounted a strong comeback in the face of intense pressure from the world champions. South Africa’s Handre Pollard kept the Springboks in contention with his accurate kicking, scoring all 24 of his team’s points through eight penalties.Ireland’s victory was made even more impressive by the absence of five first-choice players. Key contributions came from Conor Murray, who scored a try, and Jack Crowley, who added 14 points to the scoreboard. The win levels the series at 1-1 and ends South Africa’s eight-year winning streak at Kings Park.This result is seen as a significant milestone for Irish rugby, with captain Peter O’Mahony expressing pride in the team’s performance. However, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi acknowledged the growing rivalry between the two nations while expressing disappointment in his team’s poor start.The closely contested match and dramatic finish highlight the competitive nature of international rugby at the highest level, with both teams demonstrating skill, strategy, and determination throughout the series.
Key points
- Ireland secured a 25-24 victory over South Africa with a last-second drop goal by Ciaran Frawley.
- The win levels the series at 1-1 and marks only Ireland’s second victory in South Africa.
- Ireland overcame a 16-6 halftime deficit and the absence of five first-choice players.
- South Africa’s Handre Pollard scored all 24 points for his team through eight penalties.
Contradictions👾There is a slight discrepancy in the reported scores.
Most sources report a 25-24 victory for Ireland, but one source reports a 23-22 win.
