Tries from Jordan Coghlan and Iain Henderson gave Ireland a magnificent 23-19 win over South Africa in their opening match of the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
Ireland battled strongly against the much-fancied Springboks as two block down tries, the clincher from Henderson, earned the shock victory.
Ireland led 13-3 at the break as penalties from JJ Hanrahan and Coghlan’s touch down gave them a healthy advantage.
Paul Willemse finally made South Africa pressure count in the second period with a try and Tony Tony Jantjies levelled the game from a penalty.
But Henderson finished off a strong Irish break and despite Jantjies kicking over more points, Ireland saw the match out to claim a historic success in their opening game at the tournanment.
