LIMERIC; Liam Lawrence’s stunning free kick handed Republic of Ireland victory and consigned World Cup hosts South Africa to their sixth consecutive defeat here on Tuesday.

The Stoke City midfielder’s wonderfully struck first-half effort was the difference between the sides in a competitive friendly match. While South Africa dominated possession and played some of the more attractive football, they were toothless in front of goal, and couldn’t avoid another defeat in their preparations for next summer’s World Cup.

South Africa began the brighter creating a chance straight from the kick off when Keith Andrews

lost the ball. From a short corner, Morgan Gould flashed a volley over Keiren Westwood’s bar.

Katlego Mphela fired wildly over soon after while Bernard Parker also had

a chance, but mishit

when the ball from Steven Pienaar found him free in the Irish box.

Ireland were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty shout on 13 minutes, when Gould sent Caleb Folan to the ground.

South Africa continued

to dominate possession

but failed to create a clear cut opportunity.

Neither side made a change at the break but Ireland looked more comfortable as the second half began. Trapattoni’s men passed more convincingly than in the opening period and contained South Africa’s attacks more easily, and looked to attack on the break themselves.

Neither side created

much until the hour mark, when Ireland burst into life in front of goal, with substitute Leon Best, Folan and then Lawrence all seeing their efforts blocked in a sustained attack.

South Africa had their first attempt of the half after a precision cross by Siboniso Gaxa found substitute Siphiwe Tshabalala, but he diverted his volley wide from close range. St Ledger and Darren O’Dea then combined to halt a double attack from the visitors as they pushed for a leveler, but the well drilled Irish defence held firm to hold out for victory.