The World Cup champions upheld their World Rugby ranking by beating second-ranked Ireland 27-20 in the first of two test matches at a packed Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria South Africa last night.

The Springboks, who led 13-8 at halftime, scored two tries and a penalty try to Ireland’s three tries.

This victory marks the Springboks’ first win over Ireland since 2016, breaking a run of three successive defeats, including one at last year’s World Cup in France.

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