By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
South Africa reinforced their reputation as the top team in world rugby by defeating Ireland in Pretoria. The closely contested Test, featuring the world's two highest ranked sides, saw the World Champions beat Ireland for the first time in eight years. Kurt Lee Arendse scored an early try for the Springboks, who showcased expansive play throughout. Ireland’s debutant Jamie Osborne responded with a try before halftime, and the match concluded with four tries in the final 15 minutes.
In what was the sixth one score game in their last seven encounters, South Africa deservedly led for almost the entire match. Ireland aims to split the series with a rare win in Durban next week.
New Coaches Shine for South Africa
In their first home Test since winning the World Cup, South Africa's head coach Rassie Erasmus fielded a side with 12 starters from their victorious final against New Zealand. New additions to the coaching staff included former Japan assistant Tony Brown and Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam winner Jerry Flannery. Brown's influence was evident in the opening try, where Arendse scored after a well executed play.
Early Irish Errors Prove Costly
Ireland missed key players like Jamison Gibson Park and Hugo Keenan, leading to bold selections such as Jamie Osborne at full back and Craig Casey at scrum half. Despite an otherwise solid debut, Osborne made an early error. Ireland's high error count led to a 13 3 deficit, but they narrowed the gap to five points before halftime thanks to Osborne’s try.
Second Half Drama
In the second half, South Africa's ‘Bomb Squad’ came off the bench, maintaining pressure on Ireland. James Lowe appeared to score for Ireland, but the try was disallowed due to an earlier infringement. Cheslin Kolbe capitalized on a missed touch kick to extend South Africa's lead. Even with Arendse in the sin bin, Ireland's late try by Conor Murray was quickly countered by a penalty try from South Africa. Ryan Baird's last minute try for Ireland was not enough as they ended the game with a knock on.
Final Teams
South Africa = W le Roux, C Kolbe, J Kriel, D de Allende, K L Arendse, H Pollard, F de Klerk, O Nche, B Mbonambi, F Malherbe, E Etzebeth, F Mostert, S Kolisi , PS du Toit, K Smith.
Replacements = M Marx, G Steenekamp, V Koch, S Moerat, RG Snyman, M van Staden, G Williams, S Feinberg Mngomezulu.
Ireland = J Osborne, C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe, J Crowley, C Casey, A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong, T Beirne, J McCarthy, P O’Mahony , J van der Flier, C Doris.
Replacements = R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, C Murray, C Frawley, G Ringrose.
