Boks Overpower Ireland to Claim First Dublin Win Since 2012

The Springboks delivered a statement victory in Dublin, beating Ireland 24-13 at Aviva Stadium and ending a thirteen-year wait for a win in the Irish capital.

South Africa dominated the opening hour through a crushing scrum, relentless defence, and a clinical edge that Ireland never matched. Damian Willemse struck early after sharp interplay with Damian de Allende, while Cobus Reinach capitalised on Ireland being reduced to 13 men, sniping over from close range after a series of punishing scrums. A penalty try shortly before halftime pushed the visitors into a commanding 19-7 lead.

Ireland showed flashes of resistance, with Dan Sheehan scoring in the first half and Sam Prendergast adding two penalties after the break, but the hosts were repeatedly undone by infringements that led to multiple yellow cards and a 20-minute red card.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu delivered the decisive blow when he spotted space off another dominant scrum and raced in to strengthen the South African lead. Ireland finished strongly and created late pressure, yet the Springboks’ superior physicality, accuracy and composure ensured a controlled finish. The result extended South Africa’s perfect run on the outgoing tour and reinforced their position as the top-ranked team in world rugby.