With guts, grit and a scrum that simply refused to move backwards, the Springboks pulled off a memorable 24-13 victory that broke Ireland’s hold over them at home.
Ireland (23 November 2025) – There’s a certain electricity that runs through this country when the Springboks do something special. That “stronger together” vibe is real. And on Saturday, under the Dublin lights, they brought it… and then some.
Thirteen years of frustration were shaken off with a performance that showed why this team keeps capturing the hearts of millions.
South Africa’s 24-13 victory over Ireland was a moment that pulled people together. Rugby fans, casual viewers, even those who usually avoid the stress of watching the Boks… everyone felt this one. It was powerful, it was gritty and it was beautifully South African.
From the first scrum, the Springboks made their intentions clear. They weren’t in Dublin to survive a tough night; they were there to own it. The pack was relentless. Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Johan Grobbelaar, Boan Venter and Gerhard Steenekamp delivered a masterclass that left Irish jerseys scattered and scrambling. English referee Matthew Carley found himself reaching for cards far more often than he probably imagined, with Ireland punished for constant infringements as they tried to slow down the onslaught.
It was messy at times. It was chaotic at times. But the Boks stayed composed, stayed focused and stayed true to being stronger together.
Just five minutes in, the Boks struck. Damian Willemse finished off a moment of pure class from Damian de Allende… a late run, a delayed pass, timing so perfect it sliced Ireland open. Cobus Reinach added another with the kind of instinctive play he’s become loved for. After a series of dominant scrums against a 13-man Irish side, he spotted a gap, sold the dummy, and was over. His 19th Test try, and one he’ll remember. Ireland fought back with a well-worked try of their own through Dan Sheehan. But the Boks had more to give, forcing a penalty try after yet another scrum collapse from the home side. And then came a moment every young rugby fan dreams about: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu running hard, straight, fearless, slicing through the Irish defence after another colossal shove from the pack.
At 24-10, South Africans started believing the drought was about to break.
The last quarter was tense. Ireland threw everything at South Africa and played with desperation that made the stadium roar. They kicked a penalty to close the gap, they pushed the tempo, and they ran hard at the Bok line. But by then, the tone of the match had already been written.
For 70 minutes, the Springboks had outmuscled, out-thought and out-willed Ireland.
And in those final moments, they simply refused to let all that hard work slip away.
Tackle after tackle.
Reset after reset.
Calm.
Composed.
Unmoved.
The Aviva Stadium hasn’t been kind to South Africa for over a decade. But last night, the Springboks rewrote the story with power, precision and heart.
Their 24-13 win didn’t just confirm their number one spot in the world. It reminded us that this team, once again, is playing rugby no one else can match.
Ja, we are stronger together!
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