O'Gara drop goal leaves Ireland trailing by ten at break

South Africa 20-10 Ireland H/T

South Africa withstood a fiery early burst from Ireland to build up a comfortable first half lead in the second Test at Cape Town.

Ireland were good value for their early lead as South Africa struggled to assert themselves and were penalised heavily at the scrums by referee Joel Jutge.

But once they overcame their early problems, the Springboks took charge.

Ireland drew first blood when left wing Tyrone Howe scored after a flowing move in the eighth minute.

The visitors enjoyed considerable possession inside the Springboks’ 22 area and after forcing severe pressure at the line-out, they moved the ball out wide for Howe to dive over in the corner. Ronan O’Gara then converted to give the Irish a 7-0 early lead.

It was obvious from the first 15 minutes that Ireland were intent on playing in the Springboks’ half and both O’Gara and centre Brian O’Driscoll seemed intent of kicking the ball towards the right-hand corner of the field.

Ireland suffered a blow when full-back Girvan Dempsey had to leave the field after 18 minutes following a clash of heads. He was replaced by Gavin Duffy.

The Boks hit back immediately as a great run down the right by returning full-back Percy Montgomery put Breyton Paulse over in the corner.

The Springboks continued to apply the pressure after that and had several opportunities to add to Paulse’s try. They could not breach the Irish defence however and had to settle for a Montgomery penalty and a 13-7 lead after 27 minutes.

Matters deteriorated just before the break when prop Reggie Corrigan was sin binned for a flurry of punches on Paulse.

From the next move The Springboks launched a series of attacks and was rewarded when Jacque Fourie scored in the right-hand corner.

Montgomery converted but O’Gara landed a drop goal on the stroke of half-time to cut the Boks’ lead.