Ireland scored their third successive win over South Africa in Dublin, when they beat the Springboks 15-10 at Croke Park on Saturday - in another epic battle between the two countries.

The Boks scored the only try of the match, by flank Schalk Burger, but five penalties by rookie flyhalf Jonathan Sexton gave the home team a deserved win.

Jan de Koning rates the Springbok players!

15 Zane Kirchner:
He was solid under high ball in testing conditions, a few good great kick-chase runs, but his option taking not up to par.
6/10

14 JP Pietersen:
Took a quick restart, but then kicked the ball away and also produced a high tackle. Still well below his best.
5/10

13 Jaque Fourie:
Good chasing, with a great break and brilliant offload for Schalk Burger's try. Solid on defence and SA's best back.
7/10

12 Wynand Olivier:
Dispelled the myth that he is not up to this level. Was solid on defence, few chances on attack.
6/10

11 Bryan Habana:
Great collect in the air from high kick and some really good chasing. His workrate is still exceptional.
6/10

10 Morne Steyn:
His kicking at goal not nearly as good as earlier this year, and as a result the rest of his game suffers. His defence is okay, but a poor [performance by his standards.
3/10

9 Fourie du Preez:
Simply the best scrumhalf in the world - a tactical genius and giant on defence. Good cover.
8/10

8 Danie Rossouw:
Lost a line-out, but working hard at breakdown. Also gave away crucial penalty in 60th minute and generally better ... but not good enough on the day.
5/10

7 Schalk Burger:
Very busy as usual and a good supportive running line for his try. But did not have the expected impact.
5/10

6 Heinrich Brussow:
Brilliant steals at the breakdown - winning crucial penalties. Best South African forward yet again.
8/10

5 Victor Matfield:
Had early line-out stolen from him, then a couple of good tackles - but gave away silly penalty. Well below his best.
4/10

4 Andries Bekker:
Good early carry and good line-outs, along with some good tackles and hitting a few more rucks. But also gave away silly penalty.
6/10

3 BJ Botha:
Very strong scrumming and a real impact in the first half. The difference when he left the field soon after half-time was very obvious.
6/10

2 John Smit (captain - moved tighthead on 48th min):
Early free kick for delayed throw, which was hardly his fault though. He worked hard, but it remains a mystery why he was moved to tighthead again when the Boks had a clear edge in the scrums with him at hooker.
6/10

1 Tendai Mtawarira:
Showing better form, very strong in scrums and a good carry.
6/10

Replacements:

16 Bismarck du Plessis (on for Botha 48th min):
Poor line-out throw and made no impact.
5/10

17 CJ van der Linde (on for Mtawarira 43rd min, blood):
Not long enough to be rated.

18 Francois Hougaard:
Not used.

19 Jean Deysel:
Not used.

20 Dewald Potgieter (on for Bekker, 61st min, blood bin):
Good early catch and run, but little else to get excited about.
5/10

21 Ruan Pienaar (on for Steyn, 61st min):
Kick charged down and puts SA under pressure. Didn't really get his backs away and his kicking was poor.
5/10

22 Jean de Villiers (on for Olivier, 64th min):
Good break late in game, setting up chance to win the game. Solid on defence.
6/10