The Springboks have ended a three-game losing streak against Ireland, holding on to win 23-21 at the new Lansdowne Road Stadium in Dublin.
The injury-hit World Cup holders, who had lost five of their last six games before arriving in Dublin, got on top early on when a Juan Smith converted try either side of two successful Morne Steyn penalties gave them a 13-6 half-time lead.
Steyn and opposite number Jonathan Sexton scored penalties early in the second half while Gio Aplon traded tries with Tommy Bowe before Irish fullback Rob Kearney went over late on to almost cap a remarkable comeback.
However, the conversion from influential replacement first-five Ronan O'Gara struck the post, meaning Ireland must wait for the visit of Samoa next week to find a first win in five while South Africa next travel to Wales.
