Match Report – South Africa 27 – 20 Ireland

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Two crucial TMO decisions fell South Africa’s way as they defeated Ireland 27-20 at Loftus Versfeld in the first of their two-Test series, live on Sky Sports.

Welsh TMO Ben Whitehouse ruled out a James Lowe try for Ireland due to a subjective breakdown call, and then fed back there was ‚inconclusive evidence‘ to rule out a Cheslin Kolbe South Africa try, which ensured a two-score lead.

Lowe’s try would have levelled the contest at 13-13, and handed fly-half Jack Crowley a conversion for the lead, while Kolbe’s effort moments later came as a result of Lowe keeping a Pollard penalty kick to touch in-field – though replays suggested he was in touch while playing the ball.

A third TMO call then also went against Ireland as No 8 Caelan Doris was denied a try due to lack of evidence on replays.

Conor Murray raced in for a second Ireland try with five minutes to go, but a late South Africa penalty try via a ferocious scrum drive confirmed victory, with Ryan Baird striking a third for Ireland but with time all but up.

More to follow…

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What’s next?

Ireland now head to Durban for the second and final Test of the series against South Africa on Saturday July 13. That match is live on Sky Sports Action from 3.30pm (4pm kick-off). Watch New Zealand vs England (8.05am kick-off) and Australia vs Wales (10.45am kick-off) earlier on the same day, both live on Sky Sports Action.

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