South Africa 24 – 25 Ireland

Ciaran Frawley kicked two drop goals to help Ireland seal a famous 25-24 win; Ireland went in with a 16-6 lead at half-time after a converted Conor Murray try and three Jack Crowley penalties

Ireland’s Ciaran Frawley was the hero as his drop goal sailed over in the final moments to seal a famous 25-24 victory over the Springboks at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

It was Frawley’s second drop goal after coming off the bench, his effort in the 70th minute reducing Ireland’s deficit to two points with 10 minutes remaining.

After Ireland took a commanding 16-6 lead in at the break, ill-discipline cost them in the second half as Handre Pollard penalties helped South Africa back to 24-19 in front.

However, Frawley then made his cameo and as momentum continued to swing, he brought the game to 24-22 and then clinched a dramatic victory with a brilliant drop goal in the final minute.

The match was Andy Farrell’s 50th Test in charge of Ireland and Caelan Doris’ second Test as captain, with Peter O’Mahony dropped to the bench.

The hosts took the first Test in Pretoria 27-20 and Rassie Erasmus names an unchanged South Africa side for the second Test, the most experience Springboks side to ever grace the field with 990 caps between them.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Ireland are back in action on November 8 when they take on New Zealand in Dublin , while England’s season – which began this time last year before pre-Rugby World Cup Tests in August, has now finally come to a close.

New Zealand are next in action in the first round of the Rugby Championship vs Argentina on Saturday August 10, live on Sky Sports (8.05am kick-off).

Mean while, Wales’ attention now turns to the Autumn Internationals, which see them face Fiji (November 10), Australia (November 17), and South Africa (November 23) in Cardiff.