Monday, 10 November 2014 00:00
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Reuters: Depleted Ireland surged to a magnificent 29-15 victory over South Africa at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday to pick up where they left off in this year’s Six Nations championship.
South Africa came into the game fresh from beating world champions New Zealand but were overwhelmed in the second half by an Irish side without seven of the team that clinched the Six Nations trophy in France last March.
Tries from flanker Rhys Ruddock and wing Tommy Bowe together with a perfect kicking display from flyhalf Jonathan Sexton handed the Springboks their first loss to European opposition since defeat in Scotland four years ago.
“It wasn’t perfect (but) heading towards the World Cup, towards the Six Nations, it’s important to beat this sort of team to boost confidence,” Sexton said in a pitchside interview.
