The second tenure of Rassie Erasmus as Springbok head coach has started on a winning note.
The World Cup champions upheld their World Rugby ranking by beating second-ranked Ireland 27-20 in the first of two test matches at a packed Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria last night.
The Springboks, who led 13-8 at halftime, scored two tries and a penalty try to Irelands three tries.
This victory marks the Springboks first win over Ireland since 2016, breaking a run of three successive defeats, including one at last years World Cup in France.
