In a high-scoring encounter which produced 11 tries overall, Elwood landed six conversions and two penalties - a 100% record.

But, while the Irish scored three tries in each half and based their game on solid defence and tactical kicking from Elwood, the tourists struggled to compete in the scrums.

Boland, who fought back to 34-28 in the second half, dominated both territory and possession but were guilty of occasionally throwing the ball away in attack.

And Ireland, who led 24-7 at half time, exploited that poor defence with three of their tries coming when the South Africans either failed to clear or mis-timed their passes.

But with two tests against the Springboks on their way, it may prove to be an expensive victory for the tourists.

Wing James Topping scored two of the Irish tries before going off injured in the second half and the Irish also lost Jonathan Bell through injury.

Johns: 'We have to improve'

Irish captain Paddy Johns was reasonably satisfied afterwards.

"Some of the lads haven't played for four weeks and we are a bit rusty but it was a good start as Boland were very physical and were a good test for us.

"I thought we tackled reasonably well but I think we can tackle better and we have to improve to stand any chance against the Springboks."

South African coach Nick Mallett was impressed by the Irish performance.

"I think we have got to be very careful not to be an arrogant nation here. Any side that comes out playing for their country is going to try to play out of their skins to beat the Springboks, and they way they played today was as a well-organised, well-oiled combination," Mallett said.

"They looked as if they played with a lot of flair in the backline. They scored some lovely tries. Their defence is excellent. They're very well organised in the scrums and the lineouts and it's going to be a very good test for us."

Match details and points-scorers

Boland:
Tries - Dale Santon, Francois Bleuler (2), McNeil Hendricks and Marius Goosen.
Conversions: Pieter O'Neill (5).

Ireland:
Tries - James Topping (2), Dion O'Cuinneagain, Denis Hickie, Conor O'Shea and Conor McGuinness.
Conversions: Eric Elwood (6).
Penalties: Elwood (2).