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PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — South Africa ended eight years of hurt at the hands of Ireland when it won their No. 1-vs.-No. 2 showdown 27-20 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
They met only three previous times in those eight years, and Ireland gave South Africa its only loss at the Rugby World Cup last year, but the record niggled the Springboks, who have tagged this two-test series “Unfinished Business.”
The world champion Springboks deserved to underline their top-dog status but they had luck and got the rub of Television Match Official Ben Whitehouse.
Midway through the second half, Whitehouse found reason to rule out a try for Ireland’s James Lowe, and confirm a try for South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe when he couldn’t see if Lowe stepped in touch beforehand.
Kolbe’s converted try made it 20-8 but, in a frantic last six minutes, Ireland had a try attempt ruled out, scored a minute later through Conor Murray and closed to within five. But then South Africa’s five-meter scrum obliterated Ireland’s and referee Luke Pearce awarded a penalty try and the Springboks’ victory was finally secured.
Both teams finished with a man in the sin-bin.
Ireland, trying to win in South Africa for only the second time in 118 years, has another chance in Durban next weekend to square the series.
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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby