Ireland earn statement win over holders South Africa

7 months ago 137

Mack Hansen scored the first try of the game

South Africa: (3) 8
Try: Kolbe Pen: Libbok
Ireland: (7) 13
Try: Hansen Con: Sexton Pens: Sexton, Crowley

Ireland remain in pole position to top Pool B after they beat holders South Africa in a low-scoring but riveting World Cup slugfest in Paris.

With Ireland struggling, Manie Libbok's penalty edged South Africa ahead in the first half before Mack Hansen's try.

Cheslin Kolbe hit back for the Boks but after Libbok failed to convert, Sexton's penalty put Ireland ahead.

In a nail-biting finish, Ireland's defence absorbed pressure before Jack Crowley's penalty sealed an Irish win.

More to follow.

Line-ups

South Africa: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Libbok, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Wiese.

Replacements: Fourie, Nche, Nyakane, Kleyn, Snyman, Van Staden, Smith, Reinach.

Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong, Ryan, Beirne, O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Sheehan, Bealham, Kilcoyne, Henderson, Baird, Murray, Crowley, Henshaw.

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)

Touch judges: Mathieu Raynal (France) & James Doleman (New Zealand)

TMO: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

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