1981 South Africa v Ireland rugby programme - 1st test match played at Newlands with South Africa coming out winners 23-15 – overall (VG) Note Ireland embarked on their first tour to South Africa after twenty-years. Despite condemnation from political and ecclesiastical sources, the IRFU honoured their promise to undertake a seven match tour against multiracial sides and included twelve uncapped players as well as half a dozen former British and Irish Lions in the touring party.