Overview
- South Africa scored through Damian Willemse, Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, with a penalty try completing the tally in a stop‑start Test in Dublin.
- Ireland’s James Ryan received a 20‑minute red card and Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley, Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy were sin‑binned, leaving the hosts at 12 players before half‑time.
- Referee Matthew Carley’s decisions drew loud boos, with particular scrutiny on an early high‑tackle incident that did not produce a card for Feinberg‑Mngomezulu.
- Andy Farrell described the contest as “mad” and praised his team’s character, while acknowledging discipline and composure must improve.
- The victory adds 0.88 ranking points to secure South Africa’s year‑end No. 1 status, with Wales next on their tour as Ireland turn attention to fixing discipline ahead of the Six Nations.