Summary

  • Ireland take on South Africa in first of two Tests in Pretora (16:00 BST)

  • Andy Farrell's side have only won once on South African soil - in June 2016 - and have never won a series.

  • This will be Farrell's last series before taking a year sabbatical to lead the British and Irish Lions in Australia in 2025.

  • Farrell hands a debut to Leinster full-back Jamie Osbourne with Munster's Craig Casey preferred to Conor Murray at scrum-half.

  • South Africa name 12 starters from the World Cup final win over New Zealand with scrum-half Faf de Klerk passed fit after an injury doubt.

  • The double world champions are the number one ranked side in world rugby with Ireland currently ranked second.

Live Reporting

Andy Gray

  1. try

    Converted Try - South Africa 20-15 Ireland

    Conor Murray

    GAME ON!

    Murray spots a gap and sprints clear to touch down!

    Crowley converts!

    Conor MurrayGetty Images

  2. South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    It looks liked Doris planted the ball on the leg of Salmaan Moerat, rather than the turf.

    It's just not been Ireland's day. South Africa have the drop out.

  3. Disallowed try

    South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    Caelan Doris is over but he's held up!

    It's going to be checked!

  4. South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    There are six minutes left, by the way.

    A score here and it could be a very exciting climax to this one!

  5. Sin-bin

    South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    It's brought back for the penalty after it all got a bit scrappy.

    Kurt-Lee Arendse is sent to the bin! The Boks are down to 14!

  6. South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    Ireland tap and go and have another advantage.

    South Africa are really digging in here!

    Ireland are five metres out!

  7. South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    It's another penalty advantage off the maul! Play is brought back after Frawley spills the ball.

    Luke Pearce gives a final warning to the Boks. Next time it'll be a card.

  8. South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    Ryan Baird wins the throw and Ireland look to build...and they win the penalty!

    Into the corner it goes!

  9. South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    The kick is deep into the 22, but the throw is challenged and South Africa steal it!

    It goes through a couple of phases with the forwards, and Pollard eventually sends it clear up to the 22 line.

    Ireland will look to go again.

  10. South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    Ireland work it well but Ciaran Frawley spills it.

    South Africa then immediately give away the penalty, and there's a stoppage as everyone runs to a big of a scuffle between Caelan Doris and half the South African team.

    Not sure what happened there, but he was ready to take them all on!

  11. 'A dagger to the heart of Ireland'

    South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    Alan Quinlan
    Former Munster and Ireland flanker on Sky Sports

    That is a massive blow for Ireland. Having fought so hard in this second half, to concede a try like that will be tough to take. They need to respond straight away here.

    Kolbe scores tryGetty Images

  12. South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    Kolbe sends a kick straight into touch from outside the 22, so Ireland now are in a great position.

  13. South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    And Pollard, who has been wild off the tee this evening, lands the toughest kick of the night to put the Boks in control and add insult to injury.

    There's 14 minutes left. Can Ireland respond?

  14. try

    Converted Try - South Africa 20-8 Ireland

    Cheslin Kolbe (con Pollard)

    TRY AWARDED!

    There's no conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision, and South Africa extend their lead!

    Kolbe celebrates tryGetty Images

  15. South Africa 18-8 Ireland

    They are literally checking frame by frame to see if he released the ball before he touched the ground.

    You can see what he was trying to do as he attempted to stop the penalty going out of play, but has it cost his team?

  16. Try review

    South Africa 18-8 Ireland

    We're checking to see if Lowe was in touch.

    For his sake, and Ireland's, he hopes he had touched the ground before he released the ball.

    This is tight. Really tight.

  17. try

    Try - South Africa 18-8 Ireland

    Cheslin Kolbe

    It's a disaster for Ireland!

    James Lowe tries to keep the penalty to touch in play, but it bounces so kindly for Kolbe, who touches it on and he races clear to touch down unchallenged.

  18. South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    South Africa win a penalty from the scrum on their own 22-metre line.

  19. South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    After such a relentless pace from the first whistle, how quickly will the players get back up to speed after the stoppage?

  20. South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    Craig Casey is stretchered off to a standing ovation from both sets of supporters.

    He puts his arm in the air as he's driven off the pitch, which is good to see.

    Best wishes, Craig!

    Craig CaseyGetty Images