Ireland endured a chaotic day at the office when renewing their rivalry with South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Ireland played the most bizarre first-half in recent memory, falling to 12-men against the Springboks who themselves got the rub of the green when it came to time spent in the sin-bin.
Ireland began the game with attacking intent but were undone by an electric try with Damian De Allende and Jasper Wiese combining before Damian Willemse dove over the whitewash.
Ireland responded with further intent, James Lowe and Mack Hansen linking well before Tommy O’Brien took a hit to the head from Feinberg-Mngomezulu after he was tackled by Pieter-Steph du Toit. Controversially, no card was shown.
Ireland thought they had levelled the match when Sam Prendergast’s penalty kick cannoned off the post and into the hands of James Lowe before Tadhg Beirne crossed over.
However the game’s first card came when James Ryan recklessly performed a clear-out at a ruck prior to the score, resulting in the try being chalked off and his eventual red card.
Cobus Reinach crossed over to extend the advantage before Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley and Andrew Porter were all sent to the bin and Ireland had to play with 12 men.
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Dan Sheehan reduced the gap despite Ireland having two less players on the pitch. However the relentless pressure continued at Rassie Erasmus’ men took a 19-7 lead into the break.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu reared his head again after the restart with his sides’ fourth try, but Ireland – despite being short on players – showed grit to stay in the fight.
Ultimately, relentless power from the World Cup holders won the day after dominating the set-piece.
Matthew Carley praised for ‘brave’ discpline of Ireland
The performance of referee Matthew Carley has come under major scrutiny stemming from the controversial decision not to dish out an early yellow to the Springboks.
Ryan’s subsequent clear-out undoubtedly warranted an intervention and he would sent three more Irish players to the sidelines before the end of the first-half.
Fans are aggrieved with the perceived inconsistency in his awarding of cards throughout the contest, although he has also come in for some significant praise.
Former Springboks coach Nick Mallet was highly complimentary of the Englishman, noting his ‘bravery’ in not being swayed by a vociferous crowd when disciplining Irish personnel.
Just a quick mention on the referee,” he said on SuperSport Rugby.
“He was the guy who refereed us against the All Blacks in the game prior to the World Cup and he has given four yellow cards against Ireland due to consistent infringements.
“I take my hat off to this guy… he is very, very brave away from home and he has been outstanding as a referee today.”
“He’s been outstanding as the referee today” 🗣️
Nick Mallett has high praise for Matthew Carley 👏👏
📺 Stream #QuilterNS on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/ITIPUOm7c2
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) November 22, 2025
A different perspective, that is for sure after a game which was dominated by TMO reviews refereeing decisions.
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