Rampant Ireland batter Boks

Ireland 32 South Africa 15

Ireland ran riot in the first half to launch their autumn series with a crushing victory over South Africa at Lansdowne Road.

The Triple Crown holders entered the match as red-hot favourites and fully justified the tag with a blistering display that cut the outclassed Springboks to pieces.

It was only their third victory over South Africa in 18 attempts and was their second in succession as tries from Andrew Trimble, David Wallace, Marcus Horan and Shane Horgan did the damage.

At times in the first half they looked unstoppable with Trimble, Shane Horgan, Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll turning on the style to leave the Springboks chasing shadows.

Ronan O'Gara controlled the game to good effect at fly-half and kicked 12 points, while up front the monster touring pack was dismantled by the Irish.

They found less space in the second half, which saw Francois Steyn and Bryan Habana cross for South Africa, but they were already out of sight before Horgan's late try gift-wrapped the result.

South Africa wore replicas of their original 1906 jersey, with no sponsor's logo, to commemorate a centenary of Springbok rugby, but it was not a performance to honour their proud history.

In two personal milestones skipper John Smit equalled Garry Teichmann's record of 36 games as captain and also became the first Springbok to make 40 consecutive appearances.

But otherwise the 28-year-old Sharks hooker - the only survivor from the 17-12 defeat in Dublin two years ago - will want to forget his side's performance as quickly as possible.

The Springboks' experimental line-up - coach Jake White left his senior players at home - included three new caps in Bevin Fortuin, Jaco Pretorius and Steyn.

Try-machine Habana played his first test match at outside centre and Ireland took full advantage of their opponents' lack of experience.

It looked very different at the start, however, as breaks from Fortuin and Ricky Januarie swept South Africa deep into Irish territory before Andre Pretorius missed with a drop goal.

But the Cats fly-half made amends by nailing a penalty moments later as the tourists capitalised on their impressive opening - only to then concede the opening try.

Ireland surged forward and won a scrum 10 metres out, which they used to bring Andrew Trimble in from the left wing and the powerful Ulsterman burst through the Springbok midfield and crossed.

O'Gara converted to give the home side a 7-3 lead but some poor line-out throwing from Rory Best - - the only change to the side beaten by Australia in the summer - then put them under pressure.

South Africa set off on a 10-metre rolling maul in the 18th minute but Pretorius spilt the ball forward and Ireland capitalised with a huge kick from O'Gara that pinned the tourists close to their line.

Pretorius attempted to clear from the line-out but only found Trimble, who set up a promising move which was halted when O'Gara ran back into the forwards.

The Munster fly-half had won a penalty, however, which he sent between the uprights.

Trimble began the move that led to Ireland's second try in the 25th minute, with the Ulster winger breaking through several tackles before recycling.

Quick hands saw the ball spun right where Ireland had numbers and Shane Horgan drew his man before supplying the scoring pass to David Wallace, who raced in under the posts.

Ireland should have added their third try shortly afterwards but Horgan opted to go it alone even though Gordon D'Arcy had looped around him and was in the clear.

D'Arcy was making ground in the midfield and one lung-busting run from Paul O'Connell drew a mighty roar from the Lansdowne Road crowd.

Stormers centre Jean de Villiers relieved the pressure by shrugging off a tackle from O'Gara and he made 30 yards before being hauled to the ground.

South Africa went on to win a five-metre scrum, but number eight Pierre Spies was smashed into the ground by Wallace and Denis Leamy when he broke from the back of the set-piece and Ireland were awarded a penalty.

Horgan powered through Habana as the Irish staged a fresh attack which nearly resulted in a try for Trimble in the corner.

Some desperate cover defence from Jaco Pretorius kept him out but the ball was kept alive and Marcus Horan surged over from close range and O'Gara converted.

D'Arcy nearly threaded his way through as Ireland raced out of the blocks for the second half, but South Africa won a turnover and prop CJ van der Linde made an unlikely clearance.

Pretorius missed a long-range penalty as his miserable afternoon continued and Trimble threatened in the left corner only for referee Paul Honiss to rule Brian O'Driscoll's pass forward.

Ireland maintained the pressure, however, with Horgan charging into space and O'Gara taking the move on until Honiss penalised South Africa for interfering at the breakdown.

O'Gara landed the penalty and when Pretorius kicked the ball out on the full they were able to launch a fresh attack which was halted when Horgan was hauled down.

Ireland were at panic stations when Danie Roussouw burst through and Steyn crossed in the corner.

Habana showed his finishing skills in a remarkable solo try, but Ireland crushed the fightback with a late try from Horgan and O'Gara converted to complete the victory.