Injury-hit Ireland have pulled off the remarkable, beating South Africa 29-15 in Dublin.

Tries from Rhys Ruddock and Tommy Bowe, combined with sublime kicking from man of the match Jonny Sexton, were enough to see off the team ranked second in the world.

It's a promising start to the international season for Joe Schmidt's men, who face Georgia and Australia next as they continue their build-up to next year's World Cup.

Before the match, Newstalk's George Hook pointed to St Jude - the patron saint of lost causes - as Ireland's only hope for a win. He subsequently said he was delighted to be proven wrong by the team's display and result.