By Michael Cantillon
Last Updated: 22/11/25 8:13pm

Despite a near remarkable Irish effort to remain in the contest after being shown five cards and reduced to 12 players at one stage, South Africa posted a 24-13 win for a first success in Dublin since 2012.
After South Africa struck early through a Damian Willemse try, Ireland lock James Ryan was shown a 20-minute red card for a clearout to the face of Malcolm Marx.
Sam Prendergast (offside, repeat team infringements), Jack Crowley (cynical act off feet) and Andrew Porter (successive scrum penalties) were then all dismissed from the field during the first half.
With Ireland down to 13 and then 12 players, Cobus Reinach added a try before a penalty try was awarded to the visitors following a five-metre scrum drive.
Dan Sheehan had scored for the hosts either side of those Boks tries, despite Ireland being down to 13 players, but at 19-7 behind at half-time with three players in the sin-bin the Test looked dead.
The home side emerged with great heart to score first via a penalty to narrow the lead, and despite South Africa facing a side so down on numbers – replacement loosehead Paddy McCarthy was also sin-binned in the second half for scrum penalties – one further try through Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was all they could add.
With the margin 14 points, Ireland kicked a penalty to reduce things to 11, and had a clear chance on penalty advantage with three minutes to play, but Prendergast failed to find Crowley for a try which would have brought them within four points.
What’s next?
Ireland have now completed their Autumn Nations Series campaign, losing to New Zealand in Chicago, beating Japan and Australia in Dublin, and suffering defeat to South Africa in the Irish capital.
Andy Farrell’s side are next in action for the opening round of the 2026 Six Nations, travelling to face France on Thursday February 5 at the Stade de France in Paris.
South Africa have one final Autumn Test next Saturday November 29 against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (3.10pm kick-off).
More to follow…
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