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Scotland vs Fiji LIVE rugby: Final score and result from autumn international

Fiji's scrum-half Frank Lomani (2R) tackles Scotland's wing Darcy Graham during the Autumn Nations Series (AFP via Getty Images)
Fiji's scrum-half Frank Lomani (2R) tackles Scotland's wing Darcy Graham during the Autumn Nations Series (AFP via Getty Images)

Scotland overcame a first-half scare to beat Fiji 28-12 at Murrayfield on Saturday, outscoring their visitors by four tries to two in a tough, physical contest.

George Turner, Adam Hastings, Duhan van der Merwe and Ben White dotted down for the home team with Hastings adding two conversions and his replacement Blair Kinghorn the other pair.

Fiji’s points all came in an impressive first-half showing, from Setariki Tuicuvu and debutant lock Ratu Leone Rotuisolia with a solitary conversion from Vilimoni Botitu.

Scotland’s superior organisation and fitness proved decisive but they had to weather an early onslaught that suggested with more preparation Fiji might have come closer to an upset. They had just days to prepare after only assembling at the start of the week.

Scotland vs Fiji latest updates

  • Scotland host Fiji at Murrayfield in the second of their autumn internationals

  • TRY! SCOTLAND 5-0 Fiji (George Turner try, 7 minutes)

  • TRY! Scotland 7-5 FIJI (Setareki Tuicuvu try, 14 minutes)

  • TRY! Scotland 7-12 FIJI (Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, 24 minutes)

  • TRY! SCOTLAND 14-12 Fiji (Adam Hastings, 40 minutes)

  • TRY! SCOTLAND 21-12 Fiji (Duhan van der Merwe, 50 minutes)

France 30-29 Australia

21:49 , Jack Rathborn

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

France 30-29 Australia

21:47 , Jack Rathborn

It’s over! The Stade de France erupts, France win after an almighty scare from the Wallabies.

France 30-29 Australia

21:46 , Jack Rathborn

A scrum in the final minute... France have possession, but it’s turned over.

Can the Wallabies produce more drama?

TRY! France 30-29 Australia (Penaud)

21:43 , Jack Rathborn

TRY FRANCE!

Damian Penaud with some magic down the line and storms over. The Stade de France erupts.

Ramos cannot slot the conversion, just a point in it again, but this time to France.

France 25-29 Australia

21:41 , Jack Rathborn

Hodge with a colossal kick to put the Wallabies up by four again, 25-29.

Is this getting away from France now?

A try to win it now surely, four minutes remain.

France 25-26 Australia

21:38 , Jack Rathborn

MADE IT!

Thomas Ramos with a clutch kick. Now the deficit is a point.

A little over seven minutes remaining.

France 22-26 Australia

21:37 , Jack Rathborn

Ramos to kick this time. 42m. Between the posts.

6/7 to this point, having missed his last one.

Here we go...

France 22-26 Australia

21:36 , Jack Rathborn

Penaud with amazing industry to plot his way through the bodies after Gordon’s kick was initially blocked to flip the field to their advantage.

The crowd are alive and seem to believe, just eight minutes remaining.

They’ve a penalty, what will the decision be, the corner?

France 22-26 Australia

21:33 , Jack Rathborn

France go for the corner, it’s ballsy!

They win it through Flament, now they drive.

But it’s spilt, penalty once again, Jalibert kicks to touch for another stab at the lineout. Immense pressure on Australia.

Up went Ollivon, but suddenly it’s out and loose, Australia survive!

France 22-26 Australia

21:32 , Jack Rathborn

Peraud whips the ball wide and France are suddenly alive.

Taofifenua like a truck there, then recycled by Dupont.

There’s a gap for Alldritt to burrow home, but the Wallabies hold. Tension here!

France 22-26 Australia

21:29 , Jack Rathborn

Foley with the boot, dead centre, it splits the posts.

Now then, the Wallabies are up 26-22, with 14 minutes remaining...

TRY! France 22-23 Australia (Campbell)

21:20 , Jack Rathborn

TRY AUSTRALIA!

Campbell with a violent run and the Wallabies hit back again, he sensed an opening and snatched it.

The 27-year-old was fighting after the contact to go over for a try on debut.

Foley with a delicate kick from the sideline, it’s drawn in beautifully, the Aussies have the lead again!

France 22-16 Australia

21:17 , Jack Rathborn

Australia earn a penalty, sloppy handoffs from France.

Dupont was staggered by Faingaa’s great defence.

Then the ball coughed up. The Wallabies ping the ball into touch, this looks promising 11.8m to the try line.

France 22-16 Australia

21:10 , Jack Rathborn

Ramos from 49m... It’s missed!

6/6 becomes 6/7.

France 22-16 Australia

21:09 , Jack Rathborn

Stunning high kick from Ntamack puts the Wallabies under more pressure, but they cope admirably.

Campbell bringing it out and Danty emerges from a pile with a smile on his face after bringing down the Aussie, France penalty.

France 22-16 Australia

21:07 , Jack Rathborn

Ramos puts the kick away without any fuss. France back up by six.

Danty getting into it with Kellaway there after a collision on the turf.

Campbell dashes out from the back and looks to break one, but France’s defence has been sturdy.

France 19-16 Australia

21:04 , Jack Rathborn

Foley for the Wallabies early in the second-half, just what they needed, back to within three points, 19-16.

Marchand carrying with menace, now the French look to offload with flare.

Australia struggling to contain this move.

Ollivon to the deck and pops it off to Ntamack, drop kick into the space... Blocked.

We’ll come back for the penalty.

France 19-13 Australia

20:50 , Jack Rathborn

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
French players celebrate after scoring their first try (AP)
French players celebrate after scoring their first try (AP)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

TRY! France 19-13 Australia (Marchand)

20:46 , Jack Rathborn

It was Marchand who rucked over, but talk about the quality of Dupont, who roughed up Kellaway as he gathered heading back to his own goalline.

A clever move and instinct to grab the opportunity just as others around him complained about Fickou being tripped.

France ruthless and go from a point behind to six clear at the break. A fascinating half comes to a close, the Wallabies have surprised the hosts at times, but they still trail.

France 12-13 Australia

20:44 , Jack Rathborn

White spins one to Porecki and that’s immense force as he attracts the contact.

But that’s a turnover! A big shot by Jelonch.

WOW! Drama late, Fickou snatches the ball and looks to be away.

He trips, complaints from the French, but they gather the kick and the loose ball a metre or two out.

TRY!

France 12-13 Australia

20:41 , Jack Rathborn

Ramos with another, the lead has almost been erased by the Toulouse star’s boot.

90 seconds until the break...

France 9-13 Australia

20:36 , Jack Rathborn

Ramos with another clutch kick, the Stade de France is alive. The lead down to four.

France gradually wrestling control of this one.

France 6-13 Australia

20:33 , Jack Rathborn

France opt for the scrum at midfield, Dupont takes it out after a stalemate, he dashes free and sparks another move.

Just 10 minutes until the break, can France strike back?

A free play and there’s Penaud, he’s gliding through the yellow bodies in his way. The momentum cranked up, will the Wallabies buckle?

France 6-13 Australia

20:29 , Jack Rathborn

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Australia's Lalakai Foketi celebrates as he scores the opening try (AP)
Australia's Lalakai Foketi celebrates as he scores the opening try (AP)
 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

France 6-13 Australia

20:27 , Jack Rathborn

That’s a blow for the visitors, as Foketi comes off hobbling.

Paisami is on, but Foley meanwhile lines up another kick...

This one hooked wide of the near post, a poor miss, it lifts the home crowd. Still just 6-13.

France 6-13 Australia

20:25 , Jack Rathborn

France tossing the ball around freely despite that early setback, passes in excess of 20m, according to live data.

Australia are still asking questions, some tidy exchanges with Kellaway impressing.

TRY! France 6-13 Australia (Foketi)

20:21 , Jack Rathborn

This is quite incredible, the Wallabies break with breathtaking speed.

Wright was superb, making the last pass and Foketi just evades a last ditch tackle.

He’s over, the Stade de France falls silent. Foley boots the extras, what a game we have in store now.

France 6-6 Australia

20:16 , Jack Rathborn

It’s a thrilling start here in Paris, Australia have been lively.

But the French crowd is driving on the hosts.

Ramos, whose boot levelled earlier at three apiece, is linking this spell of pressure nicely.

Ollivon gets low... He’s in for the try, is he?

No, a quick check brings it back, the Wallabies survive.

Wayne Pivac wants Wales to get physical after latest big loss to New Zealand

19:55 , Jack Rathborn

Wayne Pivac warned Wales must improve their physicality after New Zealand overpowered them to register a 33rd consecutive victory in the fixture.

New Zealand scored eight tries and a record number of points against Wales in their 55-23 win at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

The All Blacks were last beaten by Wales in 1953 and 25 of their 33 victories since have been by a margin of 15 points or more.

Wayne Pivac wants Wales to get physical after latest big loss to New Zealand

Onwards to France-Australia

19:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Plenty more to come tonight, too - France’s autumn opener against Australia is not far away at all...

F/T: Ireland 19-16 South Africa

19:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Doesn’t that whet the appetite for the pool stage meeting between these two at the World Cup next year? The Stade de France, 23 September - a tasty potential Pool B decider.

Plenty more to come before then, of course. The hosts still have Fiji and Australia to come this autumn, while South Africa’s tour does not get any easier - they travel to Marseille for a meeting with France next Saturday.

F/T: Ireland 19-16 South Africa

19:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland debutant Jimmy O’Brien, who was excellent after coming off the bench in the first half, has a quick chat with Amazon Prime.

“It was great to be involved in that. I only found out on Thursday afternoon. The lads helped me out a lot - I wasn’t expecting to come on at 13, I haven’t played there for a while!

“There is such a good vibe in the team. Everyone gets on and everyone is trying to play the same way. It is pretty seamless to move up and play in that team.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

F/T: Ireland 19-16 South Africa

19:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A match of predictable ferocity and fight, a proper, proper arm-wrestle - with Ireland earning another significant tick on their build towards the World Cup. The world champions came to Dublin and gave Andy Farrell’s side plenty, but the hosts held out for a tenth successive home win.

FULL TIME! IRELAND 19-16 SOUTH AFRICA

19:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Ireland 19-16 South Africa, 79 minutes

19:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The lineout works - just. Ireland have a minute to see out. This ball won’t travel far.

Ireland 19-16 South Africa, 78 minutes

19:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty to Ireland! Just as South Africa look to have won the ball back near halfway, the blast of Nika Amashukeli’s whistle helps the host, the Springboks’ pinged and yet more time ticking by.

TRY! Ireland 19-16 SOUTH AFRICA (Kurt-Lee Arendse try, 77 minutes)

19:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A brilliant score to give South Africa hope!

It looks as if Ireland have ended the momentum of the Springboks’ movement as Robert Baloucoune detonates Willie le Roux’s chest. But Le Roux keeps the ball alive, popping up from the floor for Eben Etzebeth.

Etzebeth then produces a moment of deft handling, belying that Brobdingnagian frame. He fends off one, draws two more and sends up the periscope, reaching up to drop the ball back over the garden fence for the little Kurt-Lee Arendse to scoot over.

Another missed conversion - three points in it, three minutes left.

Ireland 19-11 South Africa, 75 minutes

19:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s about Damian Willemse’s best moment of the game, leading the chase at the restart and exploiting a clutch of Irish catchers slow to set. A knock on in the tackle from the hosts gives South Africa an attacking scrum.

PENALTY! IRELAND 19-11 South Africa (Johnny Sexton penalty, 73 minutes)

19:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An anxious intake of breath from Sexton, and the crowd.

Time for the exhale - it’s over! The lead swells to eight...

Ireland 16-11 South Africa, 72 minutes

19:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But South Africa never fully escape, and Ireland earn a penalty as they explore the left edge.

It’s wide, out near the touchline - Johnny Sexton might usually go for the corner, but at this juncture, with the chance to extend the lead to eight, on comes the kicking tee.

Ireland 16-11 South Africa, 71 minutes

19:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Johnny Sexton launches his latest firework, the debris coming down just short of South Africa’s 22, with the Springboks managing to smuggle the ball back their way.

Ireland 16-11 South Africa, 70 minutes

19:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This hasn’t been Damian Willemse’s best performance. He sails a kick out on the full, neither driving it for a 50:22 when the option appeared to be there nor sending up a tempter for those outside him to chase.

TRY! Ireland 16-11 SOUTH AFRICA (Franco Mostert try, 68 minutes)

19:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The long arm of the lock gets there!

From nowhere, invention from South Africa. Cheslin Kolbe latches on to a grubber and releases Jesse Kriel, who hurls a desperate offload back to Kolbe as he is buffeted into touch. Kolbe is somehow hauled back by Jimmy O’Brien.

Franco Mostert won’t be denied, though, hitting a hole with advantage coming and using the full extension of those lengthy limbs to score.

The conversion...strikes the upright and stays out!

Try? Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 67 minutes

19:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

At last life in South Africa’s play - has Franco Mostert managed to reach out for the line?

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 66 minutes

19:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa really aren’t helping themselves. Their punt for the corner misses touch, with Robert Baloucoune not even required to produce any contortions, rushing in to gather on the five-metre line.

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 65 minutes

19:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Beirne take their (richly-earned) leave; Ireland bring on Rob Herring and Kieran Treadwell to ballast their tight five. Jamison Gibson-Park is now sporting a protective scrum cap after suffering a head wound - he feeds a stable Irish scrum, but produces another hashed box kick. Josh van der Flier gets to it, though, and strides away from danger.

The flanker goes all the way up towards halfway, where South Africa win a holding on penalty.

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 64 minutes

19:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Makazola Mapimpi trots in, but there’s a forward pass!

Bright thinking from Kwagga Smith, the replacement flanker tapping and going a penalty and beating three defenders.

Smith’s charge up the left opens space on the right, but Eben Etzebeth ignores the numbers waiting outside him, and Damian Willemse’s ball for his wing Mapimpi drifts forward.

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 62 minutes

19:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Looser from the home side, Dan Sheehan’s throw stolen; Jamison Gibson-Park’s box kick sliced.

Can South Africa take advantage of possession in attacking position? They cannot - Tadhg Beirne leads an effective counter-ruck and then boots the ball up field.

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 60 minutes

19:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Irish front row then gets revenge, awarded the penalty as it all comes down in a heap.

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 59 minutes

19:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Turnover ball! South Africa fancy a maul, but Ireland’s back-five forwards are right amongst it, fighting through the mosh pit to ultimately earn the scrum.

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 58 minutes

19:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Irish front row then stand up under pressure at the scrum. Bongi Mbonambi will throw the South African lineout on the edge of Ireland’s 22.

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 56 minutes

19:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Robert Baloucoune has barely been sighted with ball in hand today, highlighting a left-leaning approach from the Irish attack. His aerial work has been mixed - he is up early, impressively here, but fails to collect cleanly.

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 55 minutes

19:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A ten-point lead is far from safe, obviously, but Ireland are really starting to take control of this game. South Africa need a moment of inspiration - both of their back replacements are now on, with Faf de Klerk ready to feed a scrum and Willie le Roux on at full-back. Cheslin Kolbe shifts to the wing.

Here is that superb Mack Hansen try.

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 55 minutes

19:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’ll please Finlay Bealham rather more. Nika Amashukeli’s whistle sounds with the South African scrum in rapid retreat.

Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 53 minutes

19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A loose pull-back pass from Finlay Bealham at the line, failing to pick his spot and throwing it inaccurately. South Africa try to capitalise, but are over-eager, rushing their play, with an offload to Siya Kolisi clearly forward.

TRY! IRELAND 16-6 South Africa (Mack Hansen try, 50 minutes)

18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A superbly taken try!

This is outstanding from start to finish from Ireland. First Caelan Doris is sharpest to react to a loose ball, ensuring it remains infield and allowing his teammates to recycle. Finlay Bealham plays his part as the efficient cog turning it on, allowing Jamison Gibson-Park to dart into space outside of Steven Kitshoff.

Gibson-Park releases an early pass, Tadhg Beirne providing linking hands in space, allowing Jimmy O’Brien to send Mack Hansen away on an unimpeded frolic to the line.

Johnny Sexton’s touchline conversion attempt is a better effort than his last, but isn’t quite there.

Ireland 11-6 South Africa, 48 minutes

18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Vincent Koch - sadly so briefly of Wasps, now of Stade Francais - is on for South Africa for Frans Malherbe at tighthead.

Ireland just starting to grow in confidence. Strong defence as the Springboks go nowhere.

TRY! IRELAND 11-6 South Africa (Josh van der Flier try, 46 minutes)

18:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

They haven’t - Van der Flier has scored!

Excellent from the Ireland flanker, remaining alert even as the maul crabs over towards the touchline. Van der Flier remains straight, keeping the chalk off his boots and firmly finding the line before he is forced out.

Try? Ireland 6-6 South Africa, 46 minutes

18:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The maul gets moving and Josh van der Flier celebrates as he plants the ball down in the field of play. But had South Africa forced the rumbling mass into touch?

Ireland 6-6 South Africa, 45 minutes

18:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bit of zip into Ireland’s play, Johnny Sexton remaining down after releasing an inside ball to Mack Hansen, but not necessarily missed, Hugo Keenan, Garry Ringrose and Jimmy O’Brien all taking on playmaking duties.

Jamison Gibson-Park produces a delicious blind inside ball out the back to put Hansen into another hole, and eventually Ireland draw a penalty, the fifth against South Africa at the breakdown.

Sexton receives extended treatment, but joins his teammates in the huddle soon enough.

The Ireland captain has a chat with lieutenant James Ryan. “Corner?”

“Corner.”

To the corner they go.

Ireland 6-6 South Africa, 43 minutes

18:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steven Kitshoff welcomes Finlay Bealham to the game by marching him back five yards at the scrum, Ireland just about surviving without conceding a penalty and then grateful for a South African knock-on as the pressure builds.

And then the penalty goes Bealham’s way! Kitshoff deemed to have gone straight to floor on the engage.

Ireland 6-6 South Africa, 41 minutes

18:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A moment of fortune for Ireland, who haven’t been at their best today in the air. Mack Hansen misjudges Cheslin Kolbe’s high bomb, and Pieter-Steph du Toit initially appears to have gathered cleanly, but just fumbles forward as he attempts to then capitalise.

Second half begins!

18:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tadhg Furlong, who was struggling with an ankle injury before half-time, has not rejoined his Ireland teammate. Finlay Bealham will see things out on the tighthead.

H/T: Ireland 6-6 South Africa

18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nip and tuck. A real scrap in Dublin, neither side yet able to unlock the other with any degree of regularity. The battle between the South African defence and Ireland attack has been fascinating, with the Springboks on top, but the home side’s goalline defence has been stout.

It’s been ferocious, and it’s unlikely to get less physical from here.

HALF TIME! IRELAND 6-6 SOUTH AFRICA

18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

PENALTY! Ireland 6-6 SOUTH AFRICA (Cheslin Kolbe penalty, 42 minutes)

18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cheslin Kolbe takes over kicking duties from the tee for South Africa, and it’s back to all square as the two sets of players trot off for their oranges.

Ireland 6-3 South Africa, 39 minutes

18:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With a slight limp, Tadhg Furlong takes up position in Ireland’s defensive lineout, which opts not to compete on this occasion. Siya Kolisi knocks back Josh van der Flier with a nasty carry, and South Africa have an advantage and, soon after, the penalty.

Ireland 6-3 South Africa, 39 minutes

18:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Poached! James Ryan gets up at the front and steals Malcolm Marx’s lineout throw from the grasp of Eben Etzebeth.

Jimmy O’Brien does very well to then get a solid enough clearance away off his left boot.

A physical contest really is taking a toll - Tadhg Furlong is the latest to drop to floor and take some treatement.

Ireland 6-3 South Africa, 38 minutes

18:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Andrew Porter drives in too soon at the lineout before the lifted South African player comes to floor. South Africa’s forwards stride down with intent towards the Irish line in menacing pursuit of Damian Willemse’s kick for touch.

PENALTY! IRELAND 6-3 South Africa (Johnny Sexton penalty, 36 minutes)

18:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Over goes Johnny Sexton’s penalty.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 35 minutes

18:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tthere are a few walking wounded out there: Lood de Jager becomes the second player to depart with his arm in a sling, replaced by Franco Mostert, and Conor Murray has hurt himself; off goes the centurion, on comes Jamison Gibson-Park

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 34 minutes

18:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Conor Murray makes a half-break, spotting the space as the South Africa lineout tail defenders rush up to try and intercept the pass that never comes.

Ireland toil away in the Springboks’ 22, with Frans Malherbe picked up for a no-arms tackle. Johnny Sexton will, in all likelihood, put the home side back in front.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 33 minutes

18:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A free kick to South Africa, and Damian Willemse briefly has a brain-fart, starting his run-up to punt but pausing when he sees Andrew Porter approaching, as the prop is permitted to. Willemse just about remembers the law in time, hacking away a clearance in a hurried manner.

No try! Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 32 minutes

18:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Knocked on! He did get there first, but that’s not even close to a proper grounding, reaching between the arms of Jesse Kriel but bouncing it basketball-style.

It was good until then from Sheehan, rushing up to block Damian Willemse’s clearance, beating the fly-half to the loose ball and toeing it on. No try.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 31 minutes

18:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland go slightly more direct, working those trademark tip ons between forwards at the line. Eventually, though, it stalls, and Conor Murray is forced to go to the air.

Hang on - charged down by Dan Sheehan and has the hooker got there?

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 29 minutes

18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A shake of the head from Johnny Sexton as Dan Sheehan knocks on, the hooker trying to drive in field after collecting Sexton’s heave beyond the South African hard outside blitz. Jacques Nienaber’s defensive system hasn’t always been at the levels that led South Africa to the 2019 World Cup recently, but it’s really troubling Ireland.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 27 minutes

18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yes, it isn’t good for McCloskey - he leaves the field with a dejected look, arm wrapped in a makeshift sling made from his shirt. A disappointing end to his evening after a promising opening to a rare start for Ireland.

And this will be a huge test for replacement Jimmy O’Brien, on for his debut with more than 50 minutes left. Garry Ringrose will shift in to inside centre.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 27 minutes

18:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A pretty scrappy first 27 minutes or so, with neither side really able to settle into their flow. South Africa have had more possession, but Ireland have thus far looked reasonably comfortable against the Springboks’ attack.

This will be a worry for Andy Farrell, though - Stuart McCloskey, called into the starting side after Robbie Henshaw’s withdrawl yesterday, is down and receiving treatment on an arm injury.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 25 minutes

18:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland’s lineout goes awry, with Dan Sheehan missing his jumper at the tail.

The two sides exchange high kicks, Robert Baloucoune, quiet so far in phase play, taking Jaden Hendrikse’s skyward box securely.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 23 minutes

18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty to Ireland! South Africa begin to bash on the door, their initial efforts turned away but a group of forward muscling on in midfield.

But Lood de Jager fails to stay on his feet as the sole latcher - he’s pinged for sealing off.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 22 minutes

18:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another chance for Willemse? South Africa earn a penalty in a not dissimilar spot and...this time fancy a rumble for the left corner. Willemse’s punt is accurate.

Missed penalty! Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 21 minutes

17:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oh dear. That wasn’t Damian Willemse’s finest, his alignment, obviously, wrong, with what looks to be a clean strike starting and staying some 15 yards right of the posts.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 20 minutes

17:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart McCloskey again draws the plaudits of his teammates as he holds up Damian de Allende in a choke tackle - but Ireland’s joy is short-lived as the TMO spots Johnny Sexton’s arm wrapped around De Allende’s neck.

Penalty to South Africa, and it is kickable - Damian Willemse gestures for the tee.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 18 minutes

17:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Outstanding from South Africa. Again Ireland try to work a play out the back off the top of the lineout, Stuart McCloskey pulling back the ball for a looping Mack Hansen off his blindside wing. Hansen manages to get the pass away; Hugo Keenan definitively does not, Makazole Mapimpi steamrollering the full-back as he catches. South African bodies drive through the ruck and draw a penalty.

YELLOW CARD! Cheslin Kolbe is sent to the sin bin! Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 17 minutes

17:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Both Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit have a leg each, lifting up Hansen and appearing to drive him into the floor. It will be a card - but for who?

Kolbe is deemed the initiator, and the primary cause of the tilt and drive. Nika Amashukeli shows him yellow.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 16 minutes

17:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That is gorgeous rugby, South Africa’s blitz defence so nearly unlocked by Ireland’s delightful handling from stable set-piece ball. The outside blitz of Jesse Kriel does just enough to force an errant pass, with Mack Hansen forced to tap up for himself and retreat to gather.

Oh, that looks nasty! Hansen is tilted and dropped on his head - the TMO wants to look...

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 15 minutes

17:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pats on the back for Stuart McCloskey - a strong bit of defensive play from the inside centre. Jasper Wiese tests the his structural integrity with a quick pick and go, but McCloskey is firm, standing up the number eight. Wiese gets a knee to floor but the centre is immediately over the top of the ball, combining with Caelan Doris to win the penalty.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 13 minutes

17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland elect to play from deep in their own territory. Johnny Sexton’s wide pass arrives in Mack Hansen’s hands on the bounce, forcing the Ireland wing to jump and jive inside and out in search of space. Damian de Allende brings him down, perhaps with a hint of head-on-head contact, and Jasper Wiese latches on to Conor Murray, causing a fumble. South Africa scrum.

Ireland 3-3 South Africa, 11 minutes

17:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

As perhaps could have been expected, plenty of early high kicking as the two sides battle for aerial and territorial supremacy. Cheslin Kolbe steps in at first receiver and produces a well-weighted up and under, but Hugo Keenan takes it competently.

PENALTY! Ireland 3-3 SOUTH AFRICA (Damian Willemse penalty, 9 minutes)

17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And from bang in front, Damian Willemse levels things up.

Ireland 3-0 South Africa, 7 minutes

17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The gruelling passage appears to take its toll on both teams - Ireland rather go to sleep after failing to be rewarded for what they feel is a legitimate turnover, and are penalised for offside.

Damian Willemse lifts a cross-kick to no-one in particular, though the bounce catches out Mack Hansen, who just about manages to put down a leaping Cheslin Kolbe down safely.

Back for the penalty.

Ireland 3-0 South Africa, 6 minutes

17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland’s maul defence is solid. To Plan B for South Africa, that hulking pack employed repeatedly around the corner. Pieter-Steph du Toit meets Stuart McCloskey, who drives the flanker back with a little assistance from Johnny Sexton.

Jaden Hendrikse’s service is sharp but South Africa are going backwards as they reach a 14th phase.

Ireland 3-0 South Africa, 4 minutes

17:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa’s restart skids into touch from the outstretched fingertips of Tadhg Beirne, granting the visitors their first attack.

Soon after, penalty advantage for the collapse of the maul. Damian Willemse looks to the right corner.

PENALTY! IRELAND 3-0 South Africa (Johnny Sexton penalty, 3 minutes)

17:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A polite cheer from the crowd as Johnny Sexton performs his duties. Ireland are away.

Ireland 0-0 South Africa, 1 minute

17:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A deep kick off up the centre from Johnny Sexton, with Ireland clad in navy blue with vibrant green accents, and South Africa in their familiar home green garb.

Bright start from Ireland - a box kick from Conor Murray is gathered by Garry Ringrose, and a penalty at the resultant ruck will give Johnny Sexton a chance to open his account.

Kick off!

17:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland vs South Africa is underway!

Ready for kick-off

17:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The crowd in Dublin looks up for this - the start of the autumn and the world champions in town.

Nika Amashukeli has the job of keeping a handle on things - the Georgian referee can call on the support of Stuart Terheege in the TMO booth.

Ireland’s centurion

17:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ahead of cap number 100, Conor Murray leads Ireland out - how does his selection from the start change the way Ireland might go about this?

Ireland vs South Africa

17:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The lights go out in Dublin, the anticipation building at a packed Aviva Stadium. These two haven’t met for five years, remarkably - how things have changed since then.

Johnny Sexton takes a deep, calming breath in the tunnel, glancing across at Siya Kolisi.

Team News - South Africa

17:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a typically strong South African side preparing for their first meeting with Ireland since 2017. Jasper Wiese starts at number eight with Jacques Nienaber saying that he knows all he needs to about Duane Vermeulen, who is not part of the Springboks’ November squad, while Malcolm Marx starts at hooker ahead of Bongi Mbonambi.

Handre Pollard’s return to action at Leicester was brief, which means Damian Willemse continues at fly-half. Cheslin Kolbe is fit to return, and starts in a back-three fit to fly. It’s a six:two bench split, with Faf de Klerk and Willie le Roux the brace of backs held in reserve.

South Africa XV: S Kitshoff, M Marx, F Malherbe; E Etzebeth, L de Jager; PS du Toit, S Kolisi, J Wiese; J Hendrikse, D Willemse; M Mapimpi, D de Allende, J Kriel, K-L Arendse; C Kolbe.

Replacements: B Mbonambi, O Nche, V Koch, F Mostert, D Fourie, K Smith; F de Klerk, W le Roux.

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