The Triple Crown holders entered the match as red-hot favourites and fully justified the tag with a blistering display that cut the outclassed Springboks to pieces.

It was only their third victory over South Africa in 18 attempts and was their second in succession as tries from Andrew Trimble, David Wallace, Marcus Horan and Shane Horgan did the damage.

At times in the first half they looked unstoppable with Trimble, Shane Horgan, Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll turning on the style to leave the Springboks chasing shadows.

Ronan O'Gara controlled the game to good effect at fly-half and kicked 12 points, while up front the monster touring pack was dismantled by the Irish.

They found less space in the second half, which saw Francois Steyn and Bryan Habana cross for South Africa, but they were already out of sight before Horgan's late try gift-wrapped the result.

South Africa wore replicas of their original 1906 jersey, with no sponsors logo, to commemorate a centenary of Springbok rugby, but it was not a performance to honour their proud history.

In two personal milestones skipper John Smit equalled Garry Teichmann's record of 36 games as captain and also became the first Springbok to make 40 consecutive appearances.

But otherwise the 28-year-old Sharks hooker - the only survivor from the 17-12 defeat in Dublin two years ago - will want to forget his side's performance as quickly as possible.

The Springboks' experimental line-up - coach Jake White left his senior players at home - included three new caps in Bevin Fortuin, Jaco Pretorius and Steyn.

Try-machine Habana played his first test match at outside centre and Ireland took full advantage of their opponents' lack of experience.