Late drama sees South African pack break Irish resistance at Lansdowne Road
Ireland took on South Africa in Dublin on 17 December 1960. Ireland, who had never beaten South Africa, were facing the Springboks who had not been beaten in 16 games.
The Irish team featured a young Tom Kiernan, who went on to win 54 caps for Ireland between 1960 and 1973. He showed his quality scoring a penalty goal shortly before half time, putting the home side ahead 3-0.
Kiernan has certainly had all the stamp of a good international caliber fullback
As the second half got under way, a fierce struggle ensued between the sides. Commentator Liam Browne describes the scene as,
This steaming pack of humanity, which is heaving and striving to get possession of the ball
South Africa equalised 7 minutes into the second half from a John Gainsford try, with scrum half Dick Lockyear missing the conversion kick.
South Africa pressed for the rest of the half with the Irish defence holding strong. With the game in injury time there was hope that Ireland, captained by Ronnie Dawson would hold out. Pressure from South Africa finally told with a push-over try scored by Hugo Van Zyl. The conversion kick from Dick Lockyear was the last action in the game,
Despite the wonderful valiant resistance put up by the Irish team I think we are going to be defeated
The final score was Ireland 3 Springboks 8.
This is one of a number of recordings used for the programme 'Sports Review of 1960', a programme presented by Philip Greene, broadcast 30 December 1960.
The commentators are Liam Browne and Austin Daragh.
From the RTÉ Archives Acetate Disc Collection which has been digitised with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) Archiving Scheme.
