PORT ELIZABETH - SPRINGBOKS BEAT IRELAND 19-13 THUS WINNING THE SERIES 2-1!

South Africa (13) 19

Try: Pietersen Cons Jantjies Pens: Jantjies 3, Combrinck

Ireland (10) 13

Try: Marshall Cons Jackson Pens: Jackson 2

Ireland failed in their bid for a first series win in South Africa as the hosts survived a late assault to win the decisive third Test 19-13.

Willie Le Roux was lucky to escape with a yellow card after tackling Tiernan O'Halloran in the air after 11 minutes.

Luke Marshall's try put Ireland briefly in the lead but JP Pietersen gathered Elton Jantjies' cross-field kick to put the Springboks ahead at half-time.

Ireland fought hard but two penalties saw South Africa seal the series 2-1.

The series had been set up for decider after 14-man Ireland won the first Test in Cape Town, their maiden victory in South Africa, before the Springboks bounced back to take the second in Johannesburg.

Joe Schmidt's Ireland side started positively in Port Elizabeth, with Marshall scoring after 13 phases, but they faded after the break and the long season of 17 international matches looked to have taken its toll before a late revival saw them pressing hard at the end, but in vain.

VIA - bbc.com