Summary

  • Ireland take on South Africa in first of two Tests in Pretora (16:00 BST)

  • Andy Farrell's side have only won once on South African soil - in June 2016 - and have never won a series.

  • This will be Farrell's last series before taking a year sabbatical to lead the British and Irish Lions in Australia in 2025.

  • Farrell hands a debut to Leinster full-back Jamie Osbourne with Munster's Craig Casey preferred to Conor Murray at scrum-half.

  • South Africa name 12 starters from the World Cup final win over New Zealand with scrum-half Faf de Klerk passed fit after an injury doubt.

  • The double world champions are the number one ranked side in world rugby with Ireland currently ranked second.

Live Reporting

Andy Gray

  1. Half-time

    South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    Breathless. Brilliant.

    That's the 40 minutes we've come to expect from these two.

    It's anyone's game.

    Jamie OsborneInpho

  2. Missed penalty - South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    Handre Pollard

    It's close....but it's wide.

    We'll have time for the restart here.

  3. South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    Willie le Roux brings the Boks up to halfway but Andrew Porter has strayed offside on the 10 metre line.

    Pollard points to the posts once again.

  4. 'Incredible Ireland try'

    South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    Alan Quinlan
    Former Munster and Ireland flanker on Sky Sports

    That is sensational from James Lowe. What a wonderful pass on one leg under extreme pressure. He is so strong and nimble and a great moment for Jamie Osborne.

    Ireland celebrate tryInpho

  5. South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    But Ireland steal it!

    James Lowe thumps it clear with his trusty left foot.

  6. South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    We've three minutes until the break and South Africa are on the edge of the Irish 22.

    Will there be late drama?

  7. South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    It's another missed kick by Crowley, who has been a bit off from the tee so far.

    It was a difficult kick, to be fair, but if his two missed efforts had gone over then Ireland would be level.

    Small margins....

  8. try

    Try - South Africa 13-8 Ireland

    Jamie Osborne

    THEY CAN!

    Jamie Osborne has a try on his debut but it's magical by James Lowe!

    Dan Sheehan pops a pass out the back for Lowe, who holds off two Springboks right on the touchline to find Osborne, who dives over.

    Jamie OsbourneInpho

  9. South Africa 13-3 Ireland

    The South African defence is something else.

    Tackle after tackle to stop Ireland's charge.

    The visitors are still here but can they make it count?

  10. South Africa 13-3 Ireland

    Ireland win the throw and the forwards are chipping their win deep into the 22.

    Can they capitalise?

  11. South Africa 13-3 Ireland

    Ireland win another penalty for an offside.

    It's a much-more difficult position, so Crowley sticks it into the corner.

  12. Missed penalty - South Africa 13-3

    Jack Crowley

    Wow. Jack Crowley has sent it wide!

    That looked like a banker. He shakes his head in disbelief and Ireland remain 10 behind!

  13. South Africa 13-3 Ireland

    Faf de Klerk may have magnificent hair but it's not a magnificent clearance kick and Ireland gather right outside the 22.

    Tadhg Furlong shrugs off Kurt-Lee Arendse in one of the biggest mismatches you will see in world rugby.

    Ireland move forward and they win the penalty right in front of the posts.

  14. South Africa 13-3 Ireland

    There's so much strapping on Sheehan's knee he can barely bend his leg.

    Anyway, he's going to continue and we're back under way.

  15. 'Penalty looks harsh'

    South Africa 13-3 Ireland

    Alan Quinlan
    Former Munster and Ireland flanker on Sky Sports

    Porter goes for the initial poach and then drives through. It's a close call and I think the assistant actually made the call.

  16. 'Too many mistakes from Ireland'

    South Africa 13-3 Ireland

    Jonathan Bradley
    BBC Sport NI

    Ireland are piggy-backing their errors and compounding their mistakes.

    A pretty untidy opening half hour from Andy Farrell's side, truth be told.

    James Lowe misses tackleInpho

  17. South Africa 13-3 Ireland

    There's a break before we get back underway as Dan Sheehan is getting some attention on his leg.

    It just looks like his leg is getting re-strapped, so hopeful the Leinster hooker is okay to continue.

  18. Penalty - South African 13-3 Ireland

    Handre Pollard

    That was bread and butter for Pollard.

    The Boks extend their lead as we approach the half-hour mark.

    Pollard penaltyGetty Images

  19. 'Great breakdown for Ireland'

    South Africa 10-3 Ireland

    Alan Quinlan
    Former Munster and Ireland flanker on Sky Sports

    Ireland were clinging on there after Kolbe's break but brilliant scramble defence and the counter-ruck was superb. However, South Africa are making too much ground for Andy Farrell's liking.

  20. South Africa 10-3 Ireland

    Penalty South Africa, and they felt somewhat inevitable as the pressure built.

    Andrew Porter is the man who was adjudged to have been off his feet.

    Pollard points to the posts.