James Lowe’s spectacular offload set up a debut try for Jamie Osborne, and Lowe later seemed to level the score with a brilliant breakaway try in the second half. However, Lowe’s effort was disallowed after a review found Ronan Kelleher had infringed earlier, and shortly after, Lowe’s mistake gifted Cheslin Kolbe a try, putting the Springboks back in control.

Conor Murray and Ryan Baird scored late tries for Ireland, sandwiching a penalty try for South Africa, in an intense finale at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Rassie Erasmus’ team, with 10 points from Handre Pollard, held firm to gain an advantage before the second and final Test in Durban.

In a concerning incident, Irish scrum-half Craig Casey was stretchered off after a heavy tackle from RG Snyman.

Ireland aimed for a fourth consecutive win over South Africa, following a thrilling pool-stage victory at last year’s World Cup in France. Despite losing to Ireland in Paris, the Springboks went on to win the Webb Ellis Cup, and their rivalry with Ireland has intensified with recent comments from their camp.

Home fans added to the rivalry, chanting a modified version of Ireland’s unofficial World Cup anthem ‘Zombie’ to taunt Erasmus.

South Africa started strongly, with wing Arendse sidestepping Osborne to score on the left after receiving a pass from Siya Kolisi.

Ireland entered the match after retaining the Six Nations title. Jack Crowley’s early penalty put them on the board, but Pollard responded with two penalties to extend South Africa’s lead. Ireland struggled to find momentum in the first half, trailing 13-8 at the break after Lowe’s impressive offload set up Osborne’s try.

Erasmus made significant substitutions early in the second half to maintain physical dominance, shortly before Andrew Porter left with a bloodied hand. Lowe appeared to score an equalizing try, but it was disallowed due to Kelleher’s earlier infringement.

Ireland’s woes increased with Casey’s injury and Lowe’s error leading to Kolbe’s try. The match intensified in the closing stages, with Kurt-Lee Arendse receiving a yellow card for repeated infringements. Murray’s try brought Ireland close, but a penalty try for South Africa before Baird’s late score sealed a thrilling encounter.