Lansdowne Cup

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 A general view of the Aviva Stadium before the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)

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A general view of the stadium ahead of the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)

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Ireland edge Wallabies in thriller

Ireland claimed their second Southern Hemisphere scalp of the month with a 26-23 victory over Australia in a thrilling clash in Dublin on Saturday.

Planet Rugby / Match Report

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Rob Kearney of Ireland tries to tackle Israel Folau of Australia during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)

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 Paul O'Connell of Ireland in action during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)

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The hosts were outscored three tries to two by the Wallabies but another incredible performance on defence - as was the case against the Springboks - was at the origin of a memorable win.

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One of the best first-halves of international rugby seen anywhere this year came to an end with the scores locked at 20-all.

It was breathtaking stuff as both sides impressed. Australia's ability to offload in the tackle kept the ball alive while the hosts' tactical execution was out of the top drawer.

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 Conor Murrray of Ireland in action during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)

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 Simon Zebo of Ireland is tackled by Matt Toomua of Australia during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)

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An amazing first half-hour that featured five tries saw Ireland race to a 17-0 lead inside 15 minutes only for Australia to fight back and draw level.

Man of the Match: Too many candidates to mention them all but Sexton was outstanding again. Paul O'Connell was immense however, leading by example in a towering defensive display

Moment of the Match: Plenty of highlights but Zebo's try in the opening minutes typified Ireland's performance. It was a perfect example of grabbing a half-chance with clinical efficiency and set the tone for the rest of the Irish display

Villain of the Match: If you're Irish, TMO Eric Gauzins's interpretation of what constitutes a forward pass is debatable.

Full Match Report / Planet Rugby

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 Peter O'Mahony of Ireland is tackled by Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)

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 Conor Murrray of Ireland is tackled by Luke Jones. of Australia during the international friendly match between Ireland and Australia at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)

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next test:

29 Nov

England v Australia

Twickenham

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Wales and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium

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Richie McCaw of the All Blacks runs out onto the field for his 100th game as All Black captain during the Intenational match between Wales and the New Zealand All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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Three tries in the final ten minutes saw New Zealand - in Richie McCaw's 100th game as captain - beat Wales 34-16 at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

15-16 up on 69 minutes, Wales were sniffing a massive win over the All Blacks. But then fly-half Beauden Barrett's individual score knocked the stuffing out of the Welsh before Kieran Read and Barrett again sealed New Zealand's fourth win of their successful end-of-year international tour.

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Sam Warburton the captain of Wales leads his team onto the pitch during the International match between Wales and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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Man of the match: While he was a little shaky early on, that moment of quality when he floored Wales with a chip that resulted in a key try almost saw Beauden Barrett win this award. But in the end we go for Kieran Read after a tireless effort in Cardiff.

Match Report / Planet Rugby

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Julian Savea of the All Blacks scores his sides opening try despite the challenge from Alex Cuthbert of Wales during the International match between Wales and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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 Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand is sandwiched by Dan Lydiate (bottom) and Richard Hibbard during the International match between Wales and New Zealand All Blacks at Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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 Kieran Read of the All Blacks is tackled during the Intenational match between Wales and the New Zealand All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Richie McCaw of the All Blacks is tackled during the Intenational match between Wales and the New Zealand All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks makes a break during the Intenational match between Wales and the New Zealand All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Kieran Read of the All Blacks scores a try in the tackle of Justin Tipuric of Wales during the Intenational match between Wales and the New Zealand All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Kieran Read (R) of the All Blacks scores his sides fourth try despite the attentions of Justin Tipuric of Wales during the International match between Wales and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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 Richie McCaw of the All Blacks and Jamie Roberts of Wales contest the high ball during the Intenational match between Wales and the New Zealand All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Wales captain Sam Warburton (c) Dan Lydiate (l) and Mike Phillips combine to thwart Richie McCaw of New Zealand during the International match between Wales and New Zealand All Blacks at Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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 Alex Cuthbert of Walesis upended as Leigh Halfpenny gathers possession during the International match between Wales and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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Wales scrum half Rhys Webb scores the first Wales try during the International match between Wales and New Zealand All Blacks at Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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Jamie Roberts of Wales is tackled by Wyatt Crockett of the All Blacks during the International match between Wales and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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Wyatt Crockett of the All Blacks drinks from the trophy following the Intenational match between Wales and the New Zealand All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 21, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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England 28 - Springboks 31 / Twickenham

Merchandise goes on sale prior to kickoff during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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Fans arrive prior to kickoff during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Mike Brown of England is tackled by Victor Matfield of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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 Brad Barrit of England dives over to score a try during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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Match Report / Planet Rugby

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Emerging on top in a physical, flawed tussle, the Springboks rebounded from defeat in Dublin to win 31-28 at Twickenham.

South Africa's issues against Ireland were well documented but there was no arrogance at Twickenham, just trademark power and commitment in defence in a brutal battle. They weren't perfect by any stretch, but got the job done.

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 Danny Care of England is tackled by Jan Serfontein of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dave Attwood of England is tackled by Victor Matfield (L) and Duane Vermeulen (R) of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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Man of the Match: Outstanding at the breakdown, Marcell Coetzee won a number of penalties.

Moment of the Match: The line-out England shouldn't have had. From it Ben Morgan drove over to level the game up at 20-20.

Villain of the Match: Was it the right call? Dylan Hartley's yellow card will split opinion but his careless action could have been avoided.

Planet Rugby / Match Report

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 Mike Brown of England is tackled by Willie Le Roux of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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next test:

22 Nov

Itally v S.A

• Stadio Euganeo

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England v Samoa

• Twickenham

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Scotland v New Zealand / Edinburgh

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All Blacks survive Scotland scare

 Ryan Crotty of All Black is tackled by Alex Dunbar of Scotland during the Viagogo Autumn International match between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield Stadium on November 15, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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 Ben Smith of the All Blacks is tackled by Ross Ford of Scotland during the Viagogo Autumn International match between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield Stadium on November 15, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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Jeremy Thrush's late try finally killed off a valiant Scottish challenge as New Zealand scrapped to a 24-16 win at Murrayfield.

The Scots performed exceptionally, acquitting themselves with more grit and more aptitude than in any recent encounters with the World Champions, keeping pace with a much-changed, but nonetheless exemplary All Blacks unit until the 74th minute, and recording their narrowest defeat in this fixture for 23 years.

Planet Rugby Match Report

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 Jeremy Thrush of the All Blacks is tackled during the Viagogo Autumn International match between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield Stadium on November 15, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Victor Vito of the All Balcks scores a try during the Viagogo Autumn International match between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield Stadium on November 15, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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Man of the match: Jeremy Thrush made yards aplenty in the loose, tackled fiercely, was at the coalface throughout a dominant scrummaging display and scored the all-important try.

Moment of the match: Greig Laidlaw's miss. Ten minutes is a long time to play against New Zealand, but with the scoreboard and the crowd behind them, who knows what might have been...

Villain of the match: A few spats, but nothing too sinister to report.

 Colin Slade of the All Blacks is tackled by Alex Dunbar of Scotland during the Viagogo Autumn International match between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield Stadium on November 15, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Malakai Fekitoa of the All Blacks is tackled during the Viagogo Autumn International match between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield Stadium on November 15, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Greig Laidlaw of Scotland stands alone in front of Victor Vito and the All Balcks during the Viagogo Autumn International match between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield Stadium on November 15, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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 All Black captain Richie McCaw (L) during the Viagogo Autumn International match between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield Stadium on November 15, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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Ryan Crotty of the All Blacks is tackled by Alex Dunbar of Scotland during the Viagogo Autumn International match between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield Stadium on November 15, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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next test: 

22 nov

Wales v NZ

Millennium Stadium

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Scotland v Tonga

•  Rugby Park /
Kilmarnock

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James Bevan Trophy 2014

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Wales fall to Wallabies

Australia held off a spirited effort from Wales to condemn their hosts to yet another defeat against their visitors, going down 33-28 on Saturday.

Match Report / Planet Rugby

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 Wales player George North (l) attempts to tackle Wallabies wing Adam Ashley-Cooper during the Autumn international match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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 Wales captain Sam Warburton makes a break during the Autumn international match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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If it wasn't before, it is now a worrying trend for Wales one year out from the World Cup as they went down to their upcoming Pool A rivals.

They had a chance to win but in the end first-half errors and late ill-disciplined saw Australia prevail.

There were no penalties on the board during the first-half as both teams enjoyed lots of space to unleash their dangerous runners in back play.

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 Wallabies fly half Bernard Foley kicks a drop goal despite the attentions of Mike Phillips during the Autumn international match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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 Israel Folau (R)of Australia is held up by George North (L) of Waes during the International match between Wales and Australia at the Millennium Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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Man of the match: He directed Australia superbly well, with his points key to the victory. Hats off to fly-half Bernard Foley, with mentions going to Sam Warburton and Israel Folau.

Moment of the match: Poor Rhys Webb. He started strongly with a try but his intercept pass to Israel Folau was a sucker punch to Wales in the first-half. A gift seven points.

Villain of the match: Nothing nasty to report.

Planet Rugby / Match Report

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 General stadium view as both teams contest a lineout during the International match between Wales and Australia at the Millennium Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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 Tevita Kuidrani (R) of Australia breaks through the challenge of Alun Wyn Jones of Wales to score his sides third try during the International match between Wales and Australia at the Millennium Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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Wallabies V Wales: 

Australia's 33-28 win at Millennium Stadium

Match Report / Herald Sun

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 Wales player Jamie Roberts is tackled by Wallabies player Nick Phipps during the Autumn international match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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IT WASN’T  in the game-plan and it hadn’t been practised at training, but Bernard’s Foley’s drop goal to sink Wales 33-28 at Millennium Stadium has given new coach Michael Cheika a “winning streak of one” as the Wallabies head to France for the second Test of the Spring tour.

Much had been made of Australia’s nine-win run against Wales coming into Cheika’s first Test as coach but he made it clear that Sunday morning’s pulsating victory would mean absolutely nothing when the two teams line up again at the Rugby World Cup in 12 months’ time.

Match Report / Herald Sun
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George North (C) of Wales cuts between James Horwill (L) and Michael Hooper (R) of Australia during the International match between Wales and Australia at the Millennium Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

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next test:

Nov 15

Wales v Fiji

Millennium Stadium / Cardiff

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France v Australia

Stade de France  / Paris

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Ireland takes down S.Africa in Dublin

 Jean De Villiers of South Africa is tackled by Ian Madigan of Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland..

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)

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Ireland upset wasteful Springboks

Ireland upset the odds to claim a deserved 29-15 victory over South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

Match Report / Planet Rugby

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 Jan Serfontein of South Africa is tackled by Richardt Strauss and Jared Payne of Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)

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Written off before kick-off, Ireland led from start to finish, as the teams scored two tries apiece.

But it was the Irish defence that was ultimately at the origin of their first win over the Boks since 2009.

Dominated at the set piece, and on the wrong end of the possession and territory stats, the Irish defence was as committed as the Springbok attack was predictable.

Massive credit must also go to the Irish coaching staff for their tactics and to their half-backs for their decision making and execution. In stark contrast to the Springboks, every chance was taken, every plan was pulled off, mistakes were minimal.

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 Tommy Bowe celebrates scoring a try for Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)

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South Africa will regret the decisions to turn down points on a few occasions in the first half as they were left to chase the game and didn't have the attacking game to unlock the Irish wall.

Man of the match: Every member of the Irish pack deserves a pat on the back for their tireless tackling but Jonathan Sexton's faultless kicking and decision making display once again showed why he is the best fly-half in Europe.

Moment of the match: It always seemed like the Boks would launch a comeback butTommy Bowe's try took the wind out of their sails and sealed a memorable win. It was a master stroke of tactical execution.

Villain of the match: No real nasty stuff.

Planet Rugby / Match Report:

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Adriaan Strauss of South Africa is tackled by Mike Ross of Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland..

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)

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next test:

England v S. Africa

Nov 15

Twickenham / London

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Ireland v Georgia

Nov 16

Aviva Stadium / Dublin