Springboks suffer heavy defeat to Ireland in Paris.

Written by Ayanda Nyuswa on 24 September, 2023

By: Simtho Dladla

Ireland have made a statement with a big win with a 13-8 victory over the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup Poll B match at the Stade de France in Paris.

After a successful set piece the Irish went through the phases, drew in defenders and then worked the ball wide for Hansen to score a walk-in try. Johnny Sexton added the conversion and it was 7-3 at the break. Springboks only try came from winger Cheslin Kolbe but they missed the conversion and three penalty chances to highlight their goal-kicking woes and perhaps hasten the return of experienced fly-half Handre Pollard to the team.

Ireland extended their test-win streak to 16 against South Africa and look set up to top Pool B, boding well for them avoiding fellow European powerhouses France in the next stage of the tournament and instead likely meeting the three-time champion All Blacks. Ireland have never progressed past the last eight in the nine previous visits to the World Cup.

A win against Scotland on 7 October at the Stade de France will give them top spot in Group B and a last eight clash against the runner-up from Group A – likely to be New Zealand. Next up for Ireland is a clash with Six Nations rivals Scotland in two weeks’ time whilst the Springboks will tackle Tonga on Sunday, October 1st.

image: Rugby Pass