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Springboks slump against the Irish

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DUBLIN, Republic of Ireland -- An experienced and impressive Ireland side beat an experimental South Africa 32-15 in Dublin on Saturday -- the fifth successive away defeat for the Springboks.

It was Ireland's second straight win against the former World Cup winners but only their third victory in 18 meetings between the sides.

South Africa went ahead with a penalty from center Andre Pretorius but from then on the momentum was almost entirely with the home side as the Springboks incredibly missed 30 tackles.

Tries from winger Andrew Trimble, flanker David Wallace and prop Marcus Horan helped to put Ireland deservedly up 22-3 going into half-time, with the rest of their points coming from Munster fly-half Ronan O'Gara.

Excellent tries from Francois Steyn, making an impressive debut on the wing, and Bryan Habana narrowed the gap for South Africa in the second half but assured kicking from O'Gara and a late try from Shane Horgan kept the home side well in front.

Seven tries

Scotland scored seven tries in a 48-6 victory over Romania at Murrayfield..

Scotland had to wait 15 minutes before collecting their first points from a try by new cap John Beattie after a surge by skipper Jason White and the conversion from outside half Phil Godman.

Romania replied with a penalty from full-back Florin Vlaicu but Scotland quickly extended their lead with a solo try by full-back Hugo Southwell from his own chip and chase.

Godman added a penalty before the home side scored a third try from a break by scrum half Mike Blair, support from back rowers Beattie and Kelly Brown with the move finishing with Southwell claiming his second try. Romania were denied what seemed a try on the stroke of halftime from a driven lineout only for the video referee to rule it out.

Scotland added to the lead early in the second half as Simon Webster broke through midfield before passing to Rob Dewey, the powerful center then marking his debut appearance with strong dash to the line. Godman converted for a 27-3 advantage.

A second penalty goal by Vlaicu clawed back three points for Romania but it was only brief respite for the visitors as Godman taking a reverse pass from Blair raced in for a try before adding the conversion.

Chris Cusiter then replaced Blair and made an immediate impact with a sniping run to set up a try for hooker Doug Hall, Godman again converting.

Scotland had time for one further score, this time replacement Chris Paterson escaping through midfield to give Cusiter an easy run to the line, Godman's fifth conversion completing his side's scoring.

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