Ireland will welcome the double World Champions, the Springboks, to the Aviva Stadium in what is the most anticipated tie of the Quilter Nations Series this Autumn.
The Springboks have the edge over Ireland, winning 19 of their 30 test matches. However, the rivalry has become much more competitive recently, with Ireland winning four of the last five encounters.
The Springboks' last victory against Ireland outside of South Africa was in 2012. The teams are set to play again at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on November 22, 2025.
Over recent years, this spectacle has become one of the fiercest rivalries in World Rugby. Their last five matchups have given predominantly tight results, often being decided by small margins late on.
Surprisingly, the high-flying Springboks have been on the losing end more times than not.
13 July 2024 | Springboks 24 – 25 Ireland
This was a pulsating Test in Durban, with Ireland snatching victory at the death. Ireland led 16-6 at half-time thanks to the book of Jack Crowley, along with a Conor Murray try in one of his final run-outs in Irish colours.
South Africa roared back in the second half, as talisman Handré Pollard slotted a remarkable eight penalties to edge the hosts in front. Yet, just as it seemed the Boks had done enough, replacement fly-half Ciarán Frawley calmly slotted a long drop-goal to win it for Ireland in the dying embers.
A formidable result following a Six Nations sweep spurred confidence into an Irish side that looked quietly unstoppable. Such composure under pressure made Frawley the most unlikely of heroes in one of rugby’s most hostile environments – the Shark Tank.
6 July 2024 | Springboks 27 – 20 Ireland
A week earlier from Frawley’s fantastic finish, Ireland opened their summer campaign at fortress Loftus Versfeld against a Boks side brimming with confidence, still hungover from their World Cup triumph nine months on.
South Africa struck early, just three minutes in through Kurt-Lee Arendse, setting the tone for a tight and physical contest. Despite Ireland fighting back, including a Jamie Osborne try on debut, the home side held firm.
The final nail in the coffin came through a South Africa penalty try, granting the hosts their sole victory in the last five encounters against the Irish.
13 July 2024 | Springboks 08 – 13 Ireland
A World Cup classic, fabled now as one of the games of the tournament, spotlighted Ireland as a force to be reckoned with on the biggest stage.
Saturday night primetime in Paris brought us a group stage thriller, as Ireland showed tremendous character to take down the competition favourites. Despite struggling at times in the line-out, they went toe-to-toe with the Boks at scrum-time and in the breakdown. Marvellous Mack Hansen scored a crucial try and national treasure Johnny Sexton added five points from the boot, his prodigy Jack Crowley contributing later.
South Africa managed a try from the ever-instrumental Cheslin Kolbe, but missed several other opportunities from the boot. Ultimately, Ireland’s defence and discipline under pressure proved pivotal; however, the Springboks would have the last laugh, giving them the motivation to go on and win the competition.
13 July 2024 | Ireland 19 – 16 Springboks
Dublin beckoned as both parties locked horns for the first time in five years. The perfect test in the wake of a World Cup year, Ireland eked out a gritty win over the reigning champs who already had one eye on that famous trophy.
The match was characterised by ferocious physicality, especially in the breakdown. Ireland’s forwards made big defensive interventions, marshalled by who else but Josh van der Flier. The Leinster stalwart matched his defensive acumen with a fabulous finish down the other end, swinging the game in the hosts’ favour.
Johnny Sexton, as always, remained steady with his boot, landing three penalties in crucial moments. South Africa did strike back late on, as Franco Mostert and Kurt-Lee Arendse sent waves of nervousness around Lansdowne Road. However, they couldn’t quite overhaul the Irish, who kept their cool in the closing minutes to see this one out.
13 July 2024 | Ireland 38 – 03 Springboks
This match stands out as one of Ireland’s most dominant test-match performances. Not just against the Boks, but possibly ever.
Ireland totally dismantled South Africa in front of a sold-out Aviva, scoring four tries through the likes of Andrew Conway, Rhys Ruddock, Rob Herring and Jacob Stockdale. In shock news, Johnny Sexton ran the show, dictating proceedings at the pinnacle of his powers, guiding his side to victory in almost immaculate fashion.
Whilst inflicting complete dominance on the offensive end, Ireland’s defence appeared most stifling, as South Africa struggled to generate any real attacking momentum against a sea of green jerseys. The result remains a landmark win for Ireland, sticking out like a sore thumb on the Springboks’ glistening resume.