Last-Gasp Drop Goal Steals Second Test for Ireland in Durban Thriller
Image Source: Ireland took on the Springboks at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban, where a last-minute score saw them win 25-24 over the World Cup champions in the second test on 13 July 2024. Picture: X/Springboks
Published by Everything ZA News
DURBAN, South Africa – In a heart-stopping finale that will be etched in rugby lore, Ireland snatched a dramatic 25-24 victory over South Africa at Kings Park on Saturday, squaring the three-match series at 1-1.
A last-ditch drop goal by substitute Ciaran Frawley with seconds remaining sent a capacity crowd of 50,000 into a frenzy, silencing the home supporters who had seen their Springboks fight back valiantly from a first-half deficit.
Ireland started the match with a ferocious intensity, forcing a first-minute injury retirement for Springbok fullback Willie le Roux. Fly-half Jack Crowley capitalized on South Africa’s early disarray with three penalties, before Conor Murray burrowed over for a try after a slick attacking move involving Robbie Henshaw. Ireland deservedly led 16-6 at the break.
The tide turned in the second half as a revitalized South Africa, led by the impressive Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who replaced le Roux, piled on the pressure. The Boks dominated the scrums but struggled to break down a resolute Irish defense, particularly at the breakdown where Joe McCarthy, Caelan Doris, and Josh van der Flier were relentless.
A turning point came when Irish captain Doris received a yellow card for an infringement at the ruck. Springbok fly-half Handré Pollard capitalized with a flurry of penalty kicks, giving South Africa the lead for the first time in the match.
The tension was palpable in the final minutes as the lead changed hands repeatedly. With time seemingly running out, Frawley stepped up to the challenge, calmly slotting the winning drop goal to spark jubilation amongst the Irish players and supporters.
The series now goes down to the wire, with the final test in Pretoria on [date of next test] promising another enthralling encounter between these two fierce rivals.
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