Springboks humiliate Ireland in Dublin: Chaos and epic victory

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 demonstrating why they are considered the best team in the world. The match was absolute madness, a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected actions. Ireland received four cards in the first half, at one point playing with only 12 men. The intensity was such that coach Rassie Erasmus chose to substitute both props in a crucial scrum, resulting in a yellow card and a penalty try for the Springboks. In addition, there were two disallowed tries in the first 40 minutes, moments of apparent lack of control by normally serene players, and above all, the Springboks reaffirmed their superiority.

Springboks humiliate Ireland in Dublin: Chaos and epic victory

David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty ImagesThe atmosphere in the Aviva Stadium was electrifying, with smoke in the air and a moving performance of The Cranberries’ anthem “Zombie” before the start. This song, which resonated in Paris after Ireland’s victory in the World Cup group stage over the Springboks, sought to evoke memories and motivate the Irish. From the start, it was perceived that the match would be played to the limit. After the anthem “Ireland’s Call”, the camera focused on Caelan Doris, with a slight smile on his face, indicating Ireland’s determination. However, what followed in the first half was chaotic.

Damian Willemse scored a spectacular try at four minutes.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu avoided a yellow card for a high tackle.
Tadhg Beirne had his try disallowed for an illegal action, resulting in a yellow card for James Ryan, later converted to a red card.
Cobus Reinach scored another try.
Dan Sheehan responded for Ireland, who at that moment were playing with 13 men.
Jack Crowley was cautioned for a reckless play.

The Springboks put pressure on Ireland’s line, with Erasmus changing both props, and Andrew Porter receiving a yellow card. The result was a penalty try and a first half that lasted an hour, with the Springboks leading 19-7.

Damian Willemse scored South Africa’s first try in Dublin.

Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

In the second half, Ireland added penalties and resisted the Springboks’ attack, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu extended the lead. The Springboks continued to dominate the scrum, leading to a yellow card for Paddy McCarthy. Although they had opportunities to score, they chose to wear down Ireland, leaving a mark on the Irish team. In the final minutes, Ireland tried to close the score, but was overcome and without reward. The lack of Irish discipline, with a total of 18 penalties, was evident. Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, they lacked composure and were surpassed in the game of strength, highlighting the need for improvements in their game. At the end of the match, Ireland collapsed, while South Africa breathed a sigh of relief. It was a rugby match on the limit, an unprecedented physical test. The Springboks achieved their first victory in Dublin since 2012, but it was much more than that. The pressure was on them, and they responded in spades. Malcolm Marx shone, Feinberg-Mngomezulu overcame difficult moments and the team as a whole proved their worth.