Ireland battled back from a seven-point deficit to beat Wales 31-7 in Dublin and keep alive their hopes of making it back to the Six Nations Grand Slam.
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They had 70 per cent possession in the first half and produced a thoroughly professional performance, leading 17-0 at half-time with tries from Dan Sheehan and James Rowe following an early Jack Crowley penalty.
Wales, a completely transformed team since the break, were awarded an early penalty try, with Tadhg Balin sin-binned in the process, as Ireland's defense faced its toughest test of this year's Championship.
Warren Gatland's side threatened a comeback, but were unable to take the game to a one-goal lead, and substitute full-back Ciaran Frawley's try instead sealed a rare win at the Aviva Stadium. Hopes were dashed.
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Wales pressed for a late second goal in an attempt to force Ireland into thinking, but Andy Farrell's side were determined to leave with maximum points and even after Bale's failure in the final round I did it.
It was a step back in recovery for Wales, but another hurdle for Ireland as they aim for a record second successive sweep.
No team has ever won the Six Nations with the maximum 28 points, but with three consecutive wins and bonus points, Ireland are on course to double their history.
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Springboks next face Wales and Ireland
The Springboks' brains will be watching and taking note of this one-sided Six Nations campaign, as their next challenge will be a season-opening test against Wales, followed by a back-to-back match against Ireland.
Particularly challenging for Ireland will be the Test series against Ireland in July, given Ireland's current form and the fact that they defeated the Springboks in their last encounter (in the World Cup group stage). South Africa.
