History of rugby union matches between Ireland and South Africa

This rivalry is notable for its shifting competitive balance. Historically, South Africa dominated the early encounters. However, since 2004, the dynamic has changed considerably, with Ireland winning nine of the last fourteen test matches. A notable point of context is that, despite Ireland's recent successes including a tour win in New Zealand, a series victory in South Africa remained an elusive goal.

The fixture has been prominently featured in news headlines recently due to a high-stakes match played in late 2025. Media coverage from various international outlets focused on providing live score updates and match commentary for this latest encounter in the long-running series, highlighting the continued global interest in this prestigious rivalry.