The deafening din of Irish supporters singing The Cranberries’ classic ‘Zombie’ and the others in their midst weeping for joy at the final whistle suggested a nation’s belief that their World Cup drought could be coming to an end.
A gutsy 13-8 win by Ireland – with Aussie Mack Hansen scoring the team’s only try to one from Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe – owed plenty to poor goal kicking from the Boks, who slipped from second to third on the world rankings.
Manie Libbok missed two, as did Faf de Klerk for a total off 11 points missed from the tee, but the Irish win was sealed when their replacement forwards held off the vaunted Bok Bomb Squad near their try line as the South Africans pushed for a maul try to level the scores.
Mack Hansen of Ireland celebrates victory at full-time following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France on September 23, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Ireland’s Bundee Aki was named man of the match, and he thanked the Irish fans for the incredible noise they generated throughout.
At the end they dug deep for Zombie, seemingly aiming the repeated line “In your head” at their South African rivals.
“I’m lost for words. These Irish fans are incredible. Honestly, I’ve never, ever witnessed anything like it, the travelling crowd, it’s a joke, completely a joke and it’s only going to get bigger and crazier from here on in,” said Aki after the most best game of the tournament so far.
“Fair play to the boys for playing that well today. South Africa are an outstanding team. They are world champions for a reason.
“As a group and as a team we knew coming into this game, we knew we had to be a lot better than the previous games, in all areas of our game. We knew South Africa were going to bring it to us and look, they did. They put us under an immense amount of pressure but we trusted each other and the belief we have in this group is outstanding.”
Former Ireland winger Tommy Bowe described the emotion in the ground for the BBC.
“There are tears, you can see supporters around the stadium right now, there are old men literally in floods of tears. Yes this match wasn’t the World Cup final, yes it wasn’t a quarter-final match yet but it means absolutely everything to the fans, to these Irish players and this is just such a statement of intent to where this Ireland team are and where they are going at the moment,” said Bowe.
Damian Willemse of South Africa is dragged away from speaking to Jonathan Sexton of Ireland after the first South African try during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Ireland coach Andy Farrell was “unbelievably proud and I am sure the South Africa coaches are proud too. It was some battle, a tale of two halves, I thought we dominated field position in the first and they did in the second. At times we were hanging on in there.”
The Irish held out superbly against sustained attack.
“Simon Easterby [defence coach] has them whipped up into a frenzy. When a side is in a groove like that it says everything about their attitude,” said Farrell.
The Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi, who came off early in the second half, was typically gracious in defeat.
“We would have loved to win but it was a great game, an intense game. Congrats to them. They played really well. They were able to hold the pressure in the first half and they got the try,” said Kolisi.
“I am proud of the way we played. I think we left a little bit of opportunities out there and they also did. It was a great test for us in the group.”
Boks coach Jacques Nienaber described it as a “proper Test match.
“Like I said before the game, I think both teams would learn a lot from this game, the two best teams playing against each other, which is a great test and preparation going forward.”
Libbok, who twice narrowly dragged shots at goal to the left of the posts said his team was “unlucky.”
“It was one hell of a game. Ireland brought it to us but I am proud of the boys for sticking in there and giving it our all,” Libbok said.
“Obviously in a game like this you have to take your points and you have to convert pressure into points. Unfortunately we didn’t get it right.”
He added Ireland are “without a doubt a class outfit. They have quality players all around the park and they are a good team.”
South Africa came into the contest with a 7-1 split between forwards and backs on the bench and Ireland boldly looked to keep the ball in play as much as possible, going for the corner instead of kicking early penalties.
South Africa got onto the scoreboard first in a brutal start with a Libbok penalty as huge tackles and collisions drew oohs and aahs from the 78,542 crowd at Stade de France in Paris.
Ireland wasted chances with three disastrous lineouts but came close when Hugo Keenan ghosted past a tackler only to be brought down a couple of metres from the line.
Ireland looked to keep the ball in play, testing their opponents’ rush defence, but made too many handling errors at first.
A long possession spell, however, was rewarded when Sexton danced his way into the South Africa defence, bringing the ball near the posts after a classic one-two with centre Robbie Henshaw before Hansen finished it off on the right flank after being set up by James Lowe.
It was the first try the Springboks had conceded at a World Cup since their semi-final against Wales in 2019.
South Africa made three changes to their forwards line, bringing in part of their ‘bomb squad’ early in the second half, and it immediately paid off as they won their scrum and Kolbe darted over to give his team the lead.
However, Sexton put the Irish back in front with a routine penalty and Libbok failed again from 40 metres after Ireland were sanctioned at the scrum.
With four minutes left, Ireland won another penalty in front of the posts, triggering a huge clamour from their supporters who were fired up by an ecstatic Hansen.
Crawley slotted it home and Ireland withstood a last South Africa charge to all but secure a quarter-final clash against the runners-up of Pool A – likely to be three-time champions New Zealand – while the Springboks could face hosts France.
(With agencies)
WEST
Roar Guru
One game at a time. QF is the biggest hurdle in Irish rugby history. So they’ll feel the weight of expectation on them. The Irish are a very good team, think if they stick to their system and keep their heads they should make it… But things can go against them, Eden Park test is an example of things going pear shaped. I’m assuming they’ll play against the All Blacks. That’s another massive hurdle, despite their recent success.. don’t underestimate how big a challenge this will be, Ireland vs All Blacks in a QF will be huge! I know the All Blacks will throw everything into this test. Because the QF could be the toughest knock out game compared to the rest. Personally.. the way things sit. I’d give it to Ireland. But going by history they won’t make it, simply because they’re the favourite. Favourites rarely win.
scrum
Roar Rookie
You still miss my point. It’s not about how quickly the half can clear the ball, it’s about the ball being immediately available to be played, 2 different things. Once again a collapsed maul is different to one that is still upright. Telling the half to play it when the maul is upright gives him 5 secs to do so on the first occasion and straight away on the 2nd occasion but once the maul has collapsed the ball must be immediately available. The reason for this is not have players lying on the ground fighting over the ball. Everybody complains the rolling maul is obstruction for the attacking team but this Law rewards the defending team . Good enough to tie the ball up legally you get your reward.
soapit
Roar Guru
They don't give the half the opportunity to attempt to clear it immediately. Gets blown up before then. The opposition having a hand on it shouldn't realistically mean it can't be immediately cleared in all cases. He did call use it just before it collapsed. You are supposed to play it immediately on a use it call but no chance he would have blown it up so quick if it hasn't collapsed, they give a realistic chance. I know this is consistent with past practice btw. This is just a glaring example of the issue of automatic handover from a collapsed maul with no chance given to immediately clear (it doesn't take zero time for a half to come to the collapse an pick up the ball after all)
NotKev
Roar Rookie
appreciate thoughts man respect!!
Derm
Roar Guru
Phew - that's settled things down for every Irish fan. Wise words from a Kiwi - whatever next? :)
Derm
Roar Guru
You're not alone in your thinking - seems to be a general view across the board, even amongst Irish pundits. However, there are some pointers for Ireland as well - they chose to kick for the corner on the very first penalty, even though it was within Sexton's range. And same for a couple more. The line-out misfired until they switched to a 5-man and then they won more of their own ball. There's a few more twists and turns to come from the squad - the game against Scotland will be fascinating with both sides liking to run with the ball.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Too close to call but I agree that France are not a one man team and have significant firepower across the board ..Homeground musn't be discarded either ....
Grobu
Roar Rookie
I didn't try to put the words in your mouth, bro. I just expressed my opinion on what taking confidence from a close loss amounts to in my view. The quotation marks were not meant to suggest you used those words, but only to refer to those well-known concepts, often used by fans that have become accustomed to seeing their team lose. I do share your thoughts about the game itself and its positive impact on rugby!
NotKev
Roar Rookie
Chucked ,, I might disagree about the cheating part ;) lol Good call man , honestly i wasnt aware of it until reading ppls comments here
NotKev
Roar Rookie
James Lowe really impresses me !!
NotKev
Roar Rookie
Its a Rassie thing, you over thinking it .
NotKev
Roar Rookie
Ferret you didnt just insinuate that a Black guy froma third world country was dumb did you ???? As for histroy are you aware that Rassie was doing this pre 2011??
NotKev
Roar Rookie
depends who you talk to. personally ive always wanted to face Fra rahter than AB in QF. and i didnt use any of those words either so stop trrying to oput words into other ppls mouths bud. Its a result that was positive for rugby and thats most important. Right now I still expect to be in finals and if that changes well good luck rather to those who do get there hey !!!
NotKev
Roar Rookie
Your observation of Lions series is way out of line. I respectfully disagree with you on the other points too. Frankly Lokyer ... are you kidding me, ive yet to see a league guy in Austtrallia make a difference. As for the Lions series, the one and ONLY objective was to win that. And with a country being in lev el 5 lockdown vs level 3 in Aus im pretty sure you will have no idea what that means. Your reality is only what you know. Daft reasoning. And in retrospect, i dont find all the AB play that entertaining ancd cvertainly Au is no good at all other than laughable right now sadly. AB rugby i do respect though. Nah mate Im sorry take your discussion and hardloop seun, no idea and ppl with your ideas in australia are what or who are sinking the game here !!! Apologies to other readers for my vehement reply!!!
Pundit
Roar Guru
Hot Take Boks beat Scots( Ireland beat Boks Scots beat Ireland No Bonus Points in these clashes makes for a three way tie akin to 2015 Japan-Boks-Scots.
Pundit
Roar Guru
Poor selection making with leaving out Wille. Willemse had a good game but Wille is needed to facilitate the possession-based rugby
Pundit
Roar Guru
Can Pollard deliver the same passes that Libbok does, and step up at the pressure cooker? Does he have the footwork, the vision, the skill to throw creative and precise passes? In theory, yes. But in the expansive and evolving system the Boks use, it appears that Libbok is a better fit. Pollard was excellent on attack against Sale(Two Indirect Assists, Johnny Sexton Style) and had a off-day of Pollard’s penalties(65%) would have definitely secured a well deserved win
scrum
Roar Rookie
It’s not how quickly you can clear the ball. If the maul collapses and the ball is not held by an opponent and is in clear view you can play on as per normal, the half can play it as he normally would. It’s when the ball is not immediately clear and available it becomes a turnover scrum. In this case the ball did become available but it was not available immediately when the maul had collapsed which it has to be, there was a short delay. This case was a bit unusual in that it became available after a short delay but the application of the Law was correct. The Ref in this case is not going to call use it, they only call that when the maul has stopped moving forward but has not collapsed, a collapsed maul is different.
AgainAgain
Roar Rookie
Just a quick point Paulo. I am not here to prove anyone right or wrong, that seems to be more your thing and the fact you think you know what I should or shouldn't do is also more your problem than mine. For a guy who promotes difference of opinions you certainly have a high opinion of your own. Anyway, feel free to tr0ll me about a comment made to someone else and an apology to someone else for misconstruing their words as you have done. I am pretty sure I am not misconstruing you and your intent though and will know better in future than to engage with a deadset flog like you are showing yourself to be here. Have a good day mate.
soapit
Roar Guru
I don't think there's ever going to be a maul collapsed or otherwise that is able to clear the ball quicker than that from start call of use it so if that's not quick enough they should just change the rule that you can't clear a ball from a collapsed maul