Discipline has been a talking point throughout the November internationals and Ireland’s clash with South Africa in Dublin was no different.
Tadhg Beirne was controversially red-carded in Ireland’s meeting with New Zealand in Chicago while South Africa themselves have had their issues with the officiating in recent weeks.
South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick claimed earlier this week that the Boks were treated unfairly following red-card incidents in wins over France and Italy.
Every week we are losing players and it’s sad,” Stick tsaid reporters in Dublin.
He added: “I don’t want to say things and then end up also being banned like Rassie [Erasmus, head coach] in the past.
“We’ve never talked bad about other teams. We always try and play in a good spirit, and hopefully things can just be between the four lines. Are we treated fairly? I don’t think so.”
Franco Mostert was suspended for a hit on Italy’s Paolo Garbisi but would have that suspension overturned and yet South Africa opted not to select him for the clash with Ireland.
Bernard Jackman laments officiating in South Africa clash
Ireland began the game with attacking intent but were undone by an electric try which summed up the progression in the visitors’ attacking game.
Renowned for their physiciality, the Springboks instead showcased the skill in their backline, Damian De Allende and Jasper Wiese combining before Damian Willemse dove over the whitewash in style.
Ireland responded with further intent, James Lowe and Mack Hansen linking well before Tommy O’Brien picked up the bouncing ball on the flank.
The Leinster wing took a hit to the head from Feinberg-Mngomezulu after he was tackled by Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Recommended
There was little attempt to wrap in the tackle from the out-half, and the TMO intervened however referee Matthew Carley and his officials judged the offence not worthy of a card.
Incredibly, this was no arms tackle from Feinberg-Mngomezulu on Tommy O’Brien did not even merit a yellow cardpic.twitter.com/16AvQHVOrU
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 22, 2025
Bernard Jackman, speaking from the RTÉ commentary box, was baffled by the decision.
“I don’t want to see players getting a yellow card or getting sent off but I think there was an element of recklessness to that.
“The previous two examples of South Africa having players sent off – we’re talking about six foot seven not being able to lower their body height.
“This is a completely different scenario. I think there’s an overreaction to obviously some maybe wrong calls that South Africa faced.”
Captain Siya Kolisi had also taken a shot at what he deemed to be harsh calls on South Africa, remarking that they “want to play with 15 men”.
Jackman certainly has indicated that Feinberg-Mngomezulu may have benefitted from the strong backlash from the South African camp during the last few days.
Ireland thought they had levelled the match when Sam Prendergast’s penalty kick cannoned off the post and into the hands of James Lowe before Tadhg Beirne crossed over.
However the game’s first card came when James Ryan recklessly performed a clear-out at a ruck prior to the score, resulting in the try being chalked off.
Ryan was sent to the bin under the bunker review system, where the card was upgraded to a red leaving Ireland down to 14-men for 20 minutes.
Cobus Reinach crossed over to extend the advantage before Sam Prendergast was sent to the bin after repeated Ireland infringements.
Thankfully for the hosts, the prolific Dan Sheehan reduced the gap despite Ireland having two less players on the pitch.
SEE ALSO: Rassie Erasmus Drops Bombshell Nienaber Hint Ahead Of Ireland v South Africa
