Claims that Ireland-South Africa series has been decided in Paris

Ireland's tour of South Africa in July featured two pulsating Tests where the two sides could not be split, sharing honours 1-1.

The Springboks won the first Test 27-20 in Pretoria at altitude, before two late Ciaran Frawley drop goals sealed a 25-24 win in Durban for Ireland's second-ever win on South African soil.

Under the previous iteration of the mid-year internationals, the world would have likely been treated to a third and deciding Test.

The last of which occurred in the 2022 season where three deciders played out between England and Australia, Ireland and New Zealand, and Wales and South Africa.

On day one of the Paris Olympics, Ireland squared off against the Blitzboks and managed to win a tight game by 10-5.

Many are claiming that the sevens match is the de-facto third Test that the rugby world wanted to see, meaning Ireland claim the series 2-1 over South Africa.

South African publication Ball Carrier handed the series to Ireland based on the result.

Ireland win the summer series 2-1— Birdman (@Birdman00530981) July 24, 2024

The Blitzboks Olympic campaign is now hanging by a thread after opening day losses to Ireland and New Zealand. They fell to New Zealand by 17-5 after their tight loss to Ireland.

In order to qualify for the quarter-finals, South Africa need a massive win over Japan and results to fall their way in order to fill the spots reserved for the two best third-place pool finishers.