South Africa’s 13-year wait for a win in Dublin is over, with the world champions proving their credentials with a 24-13 win against Ireland after a remarkable game at Aviva Stadium. In truth, this was a game the Springboks could and should have won by 30, and as humbling as the defeat will be for Andy Farrell’s side, they showed remarkable resilience to bring this game the distance.
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Mack Hansen scored a superb first-half hat-trick to help lift Ireland to a comprehensive win over Australia in an entertaining Test at Aviva Stadium. Starting an Ireland game at full-back for the first time, Canberra-born Hansen starred in a slick Irish attack on his return from a foot injury with three tries inside the opening 30 minutes. The Wallabies – coached by former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt – stayed in touch at half-time thanks to Len Ikitau and Fraser McReight tries.
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A first half brace from Troy Parrott powered Ireland to a vital victory over Portugal to keep their dreams of World Cup qualification alive. Cristiano Ronaldo received his first red card at international level for a petulant elbow on Dara O’Shea in the second half as Ireland defended heroically to secure the three points. Portugal knew a win would secure their place at the finals but they must now seal their place on Sunday against Armenia.
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The Republic of Ireland breathed new life into their World Cup qualifying campaign with a much-needed win over 10-man Armenia at Aviva Stadium. Aided by Armenia captain Tigran Barseghyan’s red card for aiming a headbutt at Finn Azaz early in the second half, the hosts overcame a sluggish start and scored the only goal through Evan Ferguson.
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Evan Ferguson scored his first goal since November as the Republic of Ireland preserved their Nations League B status with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Bulgaria. Adam Idah struck after coming off the bench to secure a 2-1 play-off second-leg win in Dublin to give the fans something to celebrate after Valentin Antov had given the visitors a shock lead.
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