This is promising. Rory Best with the ball on South Africa's 22, preparing for a throw in. He finds his man and Ireland can rumble forward... first they use brawn, the forwards huffing and puffing, and then Paddy Jackson goes wide - only for Faf de Klerk to stick his hand up like any good wing defence would, stopping a certain try. 

Possession swinging this way and that, neither side getting a stranglehold which is making for an enthralling match. Now it's time for South Africa to attack, but Conor Murray does the dirty work on the floor, preventing South Africa from getting quick ball and Paddy Jackson gains 20m or so for his team with a kick to touch. 

Image source, AFP

John McEnerney: Ireland living with SA 4 now but the last 2 tests will take their toll on Ireland around the hour mark then it'll be all SA

Ireland's front row fold like a souffle, so South Africa kick to touch after being awarded a free kick at the scrum. Ireland, though, reliable in the line-out... they spin the ball wide... Paddy Jackson kicks to the moon and back... Jordi Murphy sets off in chase, the flanker and JP Pietersen leap for the ball but neither can gather. 

South Africa off the hook. Paddy Jackson thinking of the next move before getting hold of the ball and he fumbles. The visitors were in a fine position, motoring inside South Africa's 22. 

South Africa have started with purpose, though Ireland are defending brilliantly. South Africa hold on to the ball a touch too long and Paddy Jackson can eat up territory with a touchfinder into the opposition 22. 

And we're off again. 

Image source, Reuters

Some people are not happy with the decision to only give Willie Le Roux a yellow card for taking out Tiernan O'Halloran in the air...

Jim Brown: Referees are very important, they must be honest and fair, Glen Jackson should be ashamed the decision was a sending off. 

Ireland enjoyed the greater possession (67%) and territory (69%) in the first half, but it's South Africa who are ahead on the scoreboard. Elton Jantjies' creativity the difference, though Ireland did have their chances. 

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the end of the first half. 

Wakey wakey, this match has burst into life. Faf de Klerk taps and goes, he looks set to cause damage but Iain Henderson steals the ball and Ireland counter-attack with pace from their own half. Luke Marshall is clear... he has support on his outside... but his pass goes astray. An electric attack which should have had a greater reward rather than just the admiration of the crowd. 

Image source, AFP

The referee's whistle is dominating, but South Africa inject some pace into their attack, decibels rise inside the stadium, but Elton Jantjies is smothered by Luke Marshall and the ball goes astray. It will, however, be a South Africa scrum 30m from Ireland's line.

Image source, AFP

Jack McGrath coming in on an angle in the scrum and the referee toots his whistle. Rory Best pleads, but it'll be an attempt at goal for Elton Jantjies. The outside-half clasps his hands as if preparing to pray, he then looks at his target, and kicks it true. 

South Africa's coaching team run their hands through their hair as they watch their team make needless mistakes. A knock on gives Ireland a put in at the scrum near the halfway line. It's a stop-start affair. Both teams making mistakes, neither able to gain momentum. 

Image source, AFP

It's Ireland's scrum in their own 22. South Africa's Adriaan Strauss punished, which gives Ireland an opportunity to find touch. South Africa's set pieces, though, are reliable. 

Tiernan O'Halloran returns to the field, everything must be a-ok after that collision. I'll be honest, we have gremlins in the system so the updates are a bit sketchy these last five minutes - apologies - but Paddy Jackson rattles a penalty over to further advance his team's cause. 

South Africa not rolling away from the tackle, the referee attempts to play advantage but there isn't one so up steps Paddy Jackson. The outside-half, though, lets South Africa off the hook.