Rassie Erasmus has beaten Ireland in Dublin for the first time as head coach, with South Africa defeating a team that’s “totally dominated us” 24-13 in the Quilter Nations Series – the Springboks’ first win at the Aviva Stadium since 2012.
Ireland had tasted victory in the previous three meetings between the teams at the famed venue, including a hard-fought three-point win two years ago. South Africa had a 33 per cent winning record over the Irish between their victories in Dublin.
The Irish made history last weekend with a statement 46-19 triumph over the Wallabies, while South Africa recorded clinical wins over France and Italy earlier in the November international window.
Those two wins saw the Springboks stretch their winning streak out to eight matches, with the chance to extend it to nine in Dublin deep into their season. In another chapter of this fierce rivalry, Damian Willemse struck first with a try in the third minute.
Cobus Reinach scored and a penalty try was awarded in South Africa’s favour, as they took a 10-point lead into the break. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the team’s defence were difference-makers in the second term, as the visitors held on for a famous result.
“Any beer is nice after a win, especially against a quality team like Ireland who’s totally dominated us since we’ve been in a group together,” Erasmus told reporters post-game.
“We know that if you take the five games, they’re still I think 3-2 up against us so we won’t get carried away with this, but yeah, the beers are a little bit sweeter.
“We’re just thankful that we could manage to beat them here. It’s been a long season for our guys… we are proud after a long season to grind through a win against a team like them at home for the first time in I think 13 or 14 years.”
This was the first head-to-head meeting between the sides since Ireland claimed a famous 25-24 win in Durban in July 2024. The Boks had to wait a while to bounce back in this match-up, but they’ve made a statement two years out from the Rugby World Cup.
South Africa continues to hold top spot on World Rugby’s rankings, while Ireland were fourth coming into their final Test of 2025. Both sides will be in the top band of teams when the Rugby World Cup Draw takes place next month in Australia.
The Springboks haven’t lost since falling to the All Blacks in early September, returning to winning ways with a record result over the same foe the following week. They’ve since beaten Argentina twice, Japan, France, Italy and now Ireland.
“Our aim this year was to try and end in the top four,” Erasmus said.
“Some people might have expected us to win because they’re four in the world and we’re one in the world but we’re still know if we lose to Wales next weekend we can drop two places.
“Being in the top four in the world rankings was probably the aim for us… I think we’ve used 50 players this year…. our first goal was to be in the top four so the pool draw can be okay.
“We are getting better in swapping in and out in different positions but a lot of work still to do. We think we can stay at the top.”