South Africa defeated Ireland 27-20 in the first rugby union match in Pretoria.

South Africa defeated Ireland 27-20 in the first match of their rugby union series in Pretoria. Despite Ireland's Conor Murray and Ryan Baird scoring in the final minutes, a penalty try and 10 points from fly-half Handre Pollard secured South Africa's victory. Ireland's captain, Peter O'Mahony, acknowledged the team's errors but remained optimistic, looking forward to correcting their mistakes for the next match.