Ireland vs South Africa LIVE rugby: Result and final score in thrilling autumn international

Ireland were forced into a change yesterday to the squad named on Thursday, with Robbie Henshaw ruled out of the starting midfield. Stuart McCloskey steps up from the bench, while Jimmy O’Brien was withdrawn from last night’s Ireland A encounter with the All Blacks XV and may make his debut in jersey number 23.

Conor Murray tons up at scrum-half, uniting with Johnny Sexton in a backline that also includes Robert Baloucoune for the biggest test of the Ulsterman’s young international career. The starting forward pack is identical to the one that sealed the series against New Zealand in Wellington in July.

Ireland XV: A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; T Beirne, J Ryan; P O’Mahony, J van der Flier, C Doris; C Murray, J Sexton; M Hansen, S McCloskey, G Ringrose, R Baloucoune; H Keenan.

Replacements: R Herring, C Healy, F Bealham, K Treadwell, J Conan; J Gibson-Park, J Carbery, J O’Brien.

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi is braced for an even greater threat from Ireland after admitting his last Dublin Test match was among the toughest days of his international career.

The Springboks have not faced the Irish since suffering a humiliating 38-3 thrashing at the Aviva Stadium five years ago.

Flanker Kolisi is among 10 South Africans who played that day and have a chance for retribution during Saturday evening’s sold-out Autumn Nations Series opener.

The World Cup winner says painful memories of 2017 still linger and believes the hosts are now a “much better” team after making huge strides under Andy Farrell to become rugby’s top-ranked side.

“Of course we have touched on the last time we played against Ireland but this is a whole new team,” said Kolisi. “For us it’s something that we can’t forget. I remember we were here and it was very tough. It was one of the toughest days for most of us in the Springbok jersey.”

Another year, another defeat with Wales seemingly still some distance from challenging the All Blacks. Wayne Pivac’s side took a couple of chances nicely, but were never able to build any kind of sustained pressure on their visitors, even when trailing by as few as six.

After a tour to South Africa on which they look to have progressed and found some real difference-makers up front, this felt like a step back for the Welsh, who have a week to dust themselves down and go again against Argentina.

We’ve got rather less time to switch our focus to events in Dublin - Ireland vs South Africa will soon be underway.

“We knew how tough Wales would be at home and we wanted to put on a performance we were proud of. We still leakead a few points, but we will take that.

“I am just trying to have fun. I am truly blessed and grateful to be here; my job is to put smiles on people’s faces.

“It’s by far the best stadium to play in. With the Welsh fans, they are amazing. We relished this opportunity - it is always a highlight when we come here.”

A spirited Welsh performance, but they never quite managed to match or combat the power game of New Zealand, who eventually surged clear to a convincing final margin. Ardie Savea was (unsurprisingly) outstanding, while Aaron Smith and Jordie Barrett also went well.

New Zealand hit fifty!

A powerful surge at the maul leaves the Welsh forwards collapsed in a creased heap, and Samisoni Taukei’aho bundles over. Jordie Barrett’s conversion is the last kick.

Wales are given a free kick with the clock in the red. Kieran Hardy does not dally in his own 22, and there is a frisson of excitement as Rio Dyer beats one before being slashed at the ankles.

Penalty to New Zealand. Into the corner.

Patient again from the All Blacks and Beauden Barrett puts brother Jordie away!

The Welsh defence is ailing after just about managing to repel 13 phases of forward graft from the New Zealand pack. Beauden Barrett cleverly switches the direction of play, rushing to his left to take Brad Weber’s switch pass and waiting for the right moment to release his baby brother.

Less than two minutes later, the All Blacks return to the Wales 22 after Justin Tipuric is penalised for tackling replacement scrum-half Brad Weber from an offside position.