Ireland claimed a 40-27 victory over the Springbok Women in the first of two Tests at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, outscoring the tourists six tries to five in a match that was closer than the scoreline suggests.
South Africa led 12-7 midway through the first half after capitalising on an Erin King yellow card, with Aseza Hele and Vainah Ubisi crossing, but Ireland hit back through Linda Djougang and Jane Clohessy to lead 21-17 at the break.
The home side pulled away after the interval with tries from Béibhinn Parsons and King — the captain making amends for her earlier sin-binning — to move 33-17 clear. The Springbok Women responded through Lerato Makua while Ireland were reduced to 14 players for a second time, but Djougang's second try sealed the result.
Handling errors and turnovers proved the Springbok Women's undoing throughout, with unforced mistakes repeatedly gifting Ireland possession in dangerous areas.
The match marked Yonela Ngxingolo's 50th Test cap, making the prop only the second Springbok Women player to reach the milestone. The two sides meet again in the second Test.