Springboks Break the Curse in Dublin with an Epic Victory
In a match that will be etched in the memory of fans, South Africa’s Springboks defeated Ireland with a score of 23-14 in Dublin, marking their first victory in the city since 2012 and solidifying their position as the best team in the world. The match was a real rollercoaster of emotions, with a frenetic pace and moments of pure madness. Ireland suffered four cards in the first half, even playing with only 12 men at one point. Rassie Erasmus, Springboks coach, strategy of substituting both props in a scrum near the Irish try line, resulted in a penalty try and a yellow card for the home team. The atmosphere in Aviva Stadium was electric, with a moving rendition of The Cranberries’ “Zombie”, evoking memories of Ireland’s victory in the 2023 World Cup.
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The second half saw Ireland score some penalties and withstand the Springboks’ onslaught, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu extended the lead. The Springboks continued to press, seeking to wear down Ireland with penalties and yellow cards. In the final minutes, Ireland tried to close the gap in the score, but the Springboks’ discipline and effectiveness prevailed. This match was one of the most impressive performances seen in a long time by the Springboks. The pressure was high, but they responded with a dominant performance. Malcolm Marx stood out, and the team as a whole demonstrated impressive cohesion.
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Ireland showed character by staying in the fight, but their lack of discipline was their downfall. With a total of 18 penalties, they failed to maintain composure when they needed it most, and were overpowered in the game of strength. Despite the Irish efforts, the Springboks took the victory and broke the 13-year streak without winning in Dublin.
