Chris Cargo leaves it late to deliver draw for Ireland

Ireland 3 South Africa 3

Ireland fought back from 2-0 and 3-2 down to keep their unbeaten run against South Africa going as Chris Cargo struck with six minutes left to earn a 3-3 draw in Cape Town.

It extends the unbeaten run to 11 games against South Africa, stretching back to 1997, as Craig Fulton’s side dug this one out after a rough first half.

Lloyd Norris-Jones gave the hosts the lead when he got a touch in front of Jamie Carr from a crash ball. Keenan Horne doubled up when the ball broke to him mid-circle and he flicked home.

Kyle Good led the comeback in the second half, slamming home on the reverse to get Ireland back in range and then finished off the equaliser after Lee Cole stepped forward to great effect.

Daniel Bell helped South Africa retake the lead with a corner drag-flick, low and hard into the bottom corner.

Cargo, though, ensured it was honours even with a steal in midfield before racing forward himself and unleashing a perfect shot into the backboard.

It was Ireland’s third game in successive days as part of their intensive warm-weather training camp. They enjoy a rest day on Tuesday before facing Canada in another two back-to-back matches on Wednesday and Thursday before meeting Belgium on Saturday and Sunday to close out their base level training for next August’s Olympic Games.