A second half collapse cost Ireland in their first Autumn International as South Africa won 16 - 12.

Ireland started in spirited fashion in an attritional first half as Jonathan Sexton"s boot gave Ireland a 12 - 3 half-time lead.

But the game turned on its head just after the break when Ruan Pienaar scrambled over for a try under the posts.

And Pat Lambie converted and added two penalties to stretch their lead as Ireland faded late on.

Photo by ©INPHO/Lorraine O"Sullivan