HIGHLIGHTS | Ireland victorious in thrilling BOI Nations Series Opener against South Africa

Saturday’s clash was the first meeting between the Irish and the World Champions in five years.

Ireland got their Bank of Ireland Nations Series off to a flying start as they beat the Springboks 19-16 in a tenacious battle at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

There was only two minutes on the clock when Johnny Sexton successfully kicked a penalty to give Ireland an early 3-0 lead. South Africa responded with a penalty of their own but also missed one on 20 minutes.

Both teams earned a penalty each before half-time and Sexton made no mistake as they headed into the interval with the scores level at six points apiece.

The first try of the game was scored by Ireland’s Josh van der Flier on the 46th minute mark as he gave Ireland an 11-6 lead. Three minutes later and the roof was raised in the Aviva yet again as Connacht’s Mack Hansen got over the line in the corner to extend their lead to 16-6 and give the Irishmen breathing space.

The Springboks notched a try of their own on the 67th minutes but it would only prove to be a consolation as another Sexton penalty ensured victory over the Springboks for Ireland.

Watch the highlights in full below:

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Ireland take on Fiji this Saturday at 1pm in the Aviva Stadium in the BOI Nations Series.