Boks come out top against Ireland in first Castle Lager Test Series

The Springboks showed Ireland who is boss when they beat them 27 – 20 during their first Castle Lager Incoming Series Test at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday.

South Africa and their foes Ireland foes re-ignited their rivalry spectacularly as the best and second-best teams in world rugby deliver a spectacle for staunch rugby fans.

The Boks held a 13-8 lead at the break and apart from a dominating opening 30 minutes, it was not the smoothest win ever, but a seven-point margin over Ireland is not something to sniff at.

The second half started promising enough with a strong surge by the Springboks following an attacking lineout, but a handling error allowed the Irish to relieve pressure.

The Irish chanced their arm at the breakdown and when Luke Pearce had enough, Pollard stepped up, but again pushed it wide, much to the disbelief of the crowd.

There were times when the Boks were sublime, but they were also guilty of too many unforced errors, especially in the second half.

When they did it right though, the Boks were spectacular, like with their first try scored in the opening spell of the match, and what a delightful effort it was.

Both teams scored a try apiece, with the difference being the accurate kicking by Handre Pollard, who kicked two penalty goals and converted an early try by Kurt-Lee Arendse.

The two sides will now shift their focus to their second Test encounter next week in Durban, with the visors looking to overturn the 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

Scorers:

Springboks 27 (13) – Tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Penalty try. Conversions: Handre Pollard (2). Penalty goals: Pollard (2).

Ireland 20 (8) – Tries: Jamie Osborne, Conor Murray, Ryan Baird. Conversion: Jack Crowley. Penalty goal: Crowley.