Ireland monkey off our backs, says Bok coach

RELIEF was the pervading emotion in the Springbok team on Saturday night after they broke their 13-year winning drought in Dublin with a 24-13 win.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

The score flattered Ireland, who were dominated from the first whistle to the last, but doggedly hung in to prevent a rout.

To crown the Boks’ fourth consecutive win on their November tour, hooker Malcolm Marx was handed the World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year award in the change room straight after the match.

The Boks led 19-7 at halftime and went on to win the match by 11 points, despite the clash being marred by a red and yellow card.

“It was a great win against a team that have dominated us since we've been together as a group,’ said Erasmus, who has led this Springbok side since 2018.

“If you look back at the last five games we've played, they are still three-two up against us, so we won't get carried away with the result - but the beer tastes a little better.

“We are just thankful that we were able to beat them here. It’s been a long season for us, and a lot of the players have to go back to Japan, and others will play in the United Rugby Championship next week.