Sexton kicks Irish to victory

Jonathan Sexton kicked Ireland to a dominant 15-10 victory over South Africa as the Grand Slam winners concluded an unbeaten year by toppling the world champions.

Sexton, playing only his second Test, kicked five penalties in another composed display that fully justified his selection ahead of veteran Ronan O'Gara.

The afternoon's only try was supplied by South Africa flanker Schalk Burger in the 16th minute and Ireland, in control throughout, will have been disappointed by their failure to breach the whitewash.

South Africa fly-half Morne Steyn, who booted a conversion and drop-goal, missed three penalties and other than Burger's try their only tactic was to bombard man-of-the-match Rob Kearney with kicks.

Sexton stepped up to land a monster penalty after a strong Irish start but the tourists' response was emphatic with Burger galloping over for a 16th-minute try.

Back-pedalling furiously at a scrum, they conceded a penalty that the Springboks used to build pressure before Steyn sent Burger over and then added the conversion.

Steyn booted a drop goal and despite controlling territory and possession, Ireland found themselves trailing 10-3.

Showing superb composure, Sexton slotted a tricky penalty to reduce the deficit and then watched as Steyn squandered six points by missing two long-rage kicks.

Another penalty was conceded at the scrum and once again Steyn missed the kick, though it was a third penalty that tested his range to the limit.

Ireland's scrum suffered its biggest implosion yet, but they restored morale with two Sexton penalties that nudged them 12-10 ahead. Sexton added a fifth penalty before substitute Ruan Pienaar struck the uprights with a penalty for the Springboks.