Rugby World Cup 2023 LIVE: South Africa vs Ireland result and final score tonight
Irishman Johnny Sexton says his son will be “over the moon” after breaking a record at the World Cup
Ireland underlined their status as the world’s leading side with a crushing 13-8 Rugby World Cup victory over defending champions South Africa in Paris on Saturday, although the Springboks will rue their inaccuracy off the tee.
Ireland scored their only try in the first half through winger Mack Hansen, who found some rare space on the perimeter and led 7-3 at the break, but had to withstand a barrage of Springbok pressure in a noisy atmosphere in the second half.
The South Africans’ only try came from winger Cheslin Kolbe, but they missed the conversion and three penalty chances to highlight their goalscoring woes and perhaps hasten the return of experienced fly-half Handre Pollard to the team.
Ireland have a good chance of winning the pool as they claimed their 16th consecutive Test victory, while South Africa are facing defeat in a World Cup match for the first time in nine games and are likely to beat Tonga in their final group game on October 1.
Follow all the reactions from the Stade de France. Also, get the latest Rugby World Cup opportunities Here And Tips for Ireland vs South Africa can be found here.
Ireland prove they can win the Rugby World Cup after beating the Springboks
Report from Paris, by Luke Baker:
Lawrence OstlereSeptember 23, 2023 10:42 p.m
Full time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Johnny Sexton speaks: “It felt like a home game. We were told 30,000 Irish fans turned up – it felt like twice that. We have had big victories before, particularly in the group rounds, such as beating France in Cardiff, but have never been able to back that up by getting through the quarter-finals, as we are constantly reminded of. But our whole focus now is on Scotland.
“I’m fine, the intensity… No disrespect to our first two opponents, but that was a real test match. I’ll get some rest and then prepare for Scotland.”
South Africa’s Damian Willemse in action with Ireland’s Johnny Sexton
(Reuters)
Lawrence OstlereSeptember 23, 2023 10:24 p.m
Full time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Mack Hansen speaks: “It was like a grand slam against the steroids out there. It seemed like there were 800,000 people out there, it was incredible. It couldn’t be better to defeat the defending champions. But we have a tough game next week against a really good Scottish team and if we win that then either France or New Zealand will be in the quarter-finals. So it couldn’t be easier.”
Mack Hansen scores Ireland’s try in the first half
(Reuters)
Lawrence OstlereSeptember 23, 2023 10:17 p.m
Full time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Bryan Habana loved and hated this match at the same time:
Lawrence OstlereSeptember 23, 2023 10:09 p.m
Full time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Bundee Aki speaks: “These Irish fans are incredible, I’ve never experienced anything like them. South Africa is outstanding, they gave it to us from the start. I’m pretty sure we’ll see them again later in this competition and things will get even more intense.”
Bundee Aki storms forward with the ball in his hand
(Reuters)
Lawrence OstlereSeptember 23, 2023 10:00 p.m
Full time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
There are still games to be played in this group stage, but it is likely that hosts France will face reigning champions South Africa and Ireland will face New Zealand in the quarter-finals. Yummy. However, Scotland may have something to say about this.
Lawrence OstlereSeptember 23, 2023 9:57 p.m
Full time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Ireland beat South Africa 13-8 in their Group B World Cup match in Paris, setting a milestone for the rest of the tournament.
Mack Hansen’s first-half try gave the Irish a four-point lead at half-time and although Cheslin Kolbe hit back with a second-half try for the Springboks, a series of missed shots cost them dearly.
Substitute fly-half Jack Crowley scored a late penalty and Ireland won 13-8 and moved close to the quarter-finals.
Lawrence OstlereSeptember 23, 2023 9:54 p.m
Full time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Ireland win a penalty from the lineout and that’s it – they celebrate as the whistle blows!
Lawrence OstlereSeptember 23, 2023 9:49 p.m
South Africa 8-13 Ireland
79 mins: South Africa wins a penalty on the halfway line and Libbok kicks for the corner. There will be one final move by a South African team inside the Irish 22…
Lawrence OstlereSeptember 23, 2023 9:47 p.m
Penalty! South Africa 8-13 Ireland (Crowley)
77 mins: Ireland’s force holds firm and they win another penalty from South Africa, who offered a double kick before the ball was brought upfield. A simple kick and Ireland extended their lead.
Lawrence OstlereSeptember 23, 2023 9:45 p.m
