By Lucky Maree
As the two teams come out of the tunnel into a beautiful Dublin night, it is clear that the weather will not play a part in the match at the packed Aviva Stadium.
It takes all of 60 seconds for the Springboks to concede a penalty in a very kickable position. Could this be the three points that could cost South Africa the match?
South Africa respond with a penalty and for the next 15 minutes the South African attack is relentless but the Irish defence holds as South Africa do everything except score.
It’s a double whammy for the Springboks as Cheslin Kolbe gets a yellow card for a tip tackle. Not only does Johnny Sexton gratefully accept the three points right in front of the posts, but the Boks will be without their fullback for the next ten minutes.
Right on halftime Kolbe scores the equalising penalty and the teams go into the tunnel level with two penalties each.
Early in the second half Ireland do what South Africa is supposed to do. They score a power try right on the corner flag as Josh van der Flier gets the first try of the match with his knee inches from the touchline.
Ten minutes later, South Africa hands Ireland an opportunity that they will not pass up. Caelen Doris pounces on the ball, plays it out to his left and the try is scored on the other side of the field.
With 15 minutes left on the clock South Africa face a ten point deficit, but the match isn’t over yet.
Franco Mostert scores a try that should have been converted but isn’t. A crucial miss that highlights South Africa’s weakness at goal kicking time leave them trailing by five points.
With only seven minutes to go, Johnny Sexton handles the pressure and kicks a vital penalty that gives Ireland an eight point lead and only a miracle can save South Africa now.
Does it matter that South Africa score a brilliant try in the corner through Kurt-Lee Arendse set up by Eben Etzebeth? No. The conversion fails.
South Africa lose by three points. It’s no consolation that they could have won the match. They could have, but didn’t. One hopes they will not make a habit of losing matches they should win in the next three weeks and on to the World Cup.
Ireland:
Tries: Josh van der Flier, Mackenzie Hansen
Conversions: None
Penalties: Three
South Africa: Tries: Franco Mostert, Kurt-Lee Arendse
Conversions: None
Penalties: Two
Cards: One yellow
Image source: @SuperSport
