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Ireland secured a remarkable victory against South Africa as Ciaran Frawley’s last-minute drop goal secured a one-point win in Durban.
Frawley dropped into the pocket to send the tourists into wild celebrations having survived a brutal second Test. An extraordinary encounter was settled by a moment of majesty from the replacement Ireland fly half, Frawley knocking over his second drop goal of the match to pip the Springboks.
It secured a draw for the tourists in a two-Test series that delivered on its lofty billing. South Africa had won the first Test in Pretoria thanks to the impact of their bench and appeared to again be taking control at the Shark Tank, with Handre Pollard’s accuracy from the tee putting them on the brink of victory.
The fly half’s eighth penalty had appeared to put the hosts out of reach until Frawley stepped up to slot three points with the clock expiring and snatch a famous win for Andy Farrell’s side.
Re-live all of the action from South Africa vs Ireland below:
Ireland snatch remarkable win over South Africa as Ciaran Frawley slots dramatic last-minute drop goal
Ciaran Frawley coolly landed a last-gasp drop goal as Ireland weathered a second-half storm to pull off a stunning 25-24 victory in Durban and secure a 1-1 series draw against South Africa.
Frawley stepped off the bench to split the posts in dramatic fashion with the final action of a thrilling encounter at Kings Park Stadium following a similar effort just 10 minutes earlier.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 18:45
Ireland captain Caelan Doris reflects on a famous win
“It’s definitely a good feeling finishing a long season with a win like that, right down to the wire and coming out the right side.
“It’s been a long season, we knew what an unbelievable test it was coming over here at the end of the season, playing against the double world champions. We knew it would be a massive test, we’re definitely happy to finish it on a high.”
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 18:27
And here is match-winner Ciaran Frawley, speaking to Sky
“It’s mental. The place is like a fortress, it’s so loud. Today was going back and forth, they had momentum for most of the second half, but the boys dug in deep. I’m delighted!
“The lads that came on added a real impact. There was a really positive vibe, which we needed. The subs were made at the right time. It’s been 55 weeks on the bounce, a long old season, but we’ll look to go back and get even better. We’ve got a lot of learnings from this series and we’ll go again.”
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 18:13
Conor Murray speaks to Sky Sports after Ireland snatch a remarkable victory
“Incredible. To come here to the world champions’ backyard, we knew it was going to be tough. South Africa don’t lose easy. Last week hurt, it was a tough defeat, but the boys fronted up and committed to this week. It wasn’t perfect tonight at all!
“We say we don’t hear what goes on off the field with Rassie, but it adds another element to it. What they’ve done in World Cups, we have huge respect for them, and it’s an honour to go toe-to-toe with them. These are rare times, it’s such a tough thing to do.”
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 18:08
FT: South Africa 24-25 Ireland
Heavens. Punishing, pulsating and decided at the last – what a Test match!
Ciaran Frawley is mobbed by his team mates.
Jack Rathborn13 July 2024 18:06
FULL TIME: South Africa 24-25 Ireland
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 18:03
DROP GOAL! South Africa 24-25 IRELAND (Ciaran Frawley, 81 minutes)
EXTRAORDINARY! A MOMENT OF MAJESTY FROM CIARAN FRAWLEY!
South Africa demand the officials look at obstruction but there is nothing untoward in any of the Irish actions. Ireland have snatched it at the last, Frawley dropping ball to boot and securing a remarkable victory!
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 18:01
South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 80 minutes
A penalty here would give Ireland a shot at victory. Or a drop goal? Ciaran Fawley is in the pocket…
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 18:00
South Africa 24-22 Ireland, 79 minutes
…And provided as Caolin Blade plays away. Stuart McCloskey pulls out the back to Ciaran Frawley, who toes ahead for James Lowe….but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is there on the cover!
Still, Ireland’s lineout. Into the last of the 80 minutes as Rob Herring throws.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 18:00