Ireland confirmed their status as the number one team in the world when they outplayed the Springboks in Paris by 13-08. Although one would like to claim that missed opportunities cost the Springboks, it would be disrespectful to a brilliant Ireland team,
Ireland had the initial territorial advantage, however, the Springboks weathered the storm but could not convert several opportunities to score. During the final ten minutes of play, Ireland regained the momentum and scored the first try of the match to lead 07-03. Ireland ended the first half looking the "stronger side".
The second half can only be described as a half of missed opportunities as both Libbok and de Klerk missed several attempts to the poles, however, Ireland did deserve to win 13-08.
Despite Ireland's good start Manie Libbok converted the first penalty to open the scoring for the Springboks to take an early 03-00 lead after five minutes of play.
Following an extended period of constant attack Ireland's Mack Hansen strolled over the tryline after space opened up out wide. Ireland led for the first time 07-03 with seven minutes left to play in the first half.
Four fresh legs for the Springboks early in the second half led to much-improved scrum efforts by the Springboks. Several penalties conceded by Ireland led to a brilliant front foot ball which was quickly spread wide for Cheslin Kolbe to stroll over for the Springboks' first try. The Springboks retook the lead with 08-07 and twenty-eight minutes still to play.
Johnny Sexton replied almost immediately with a converted penalty to retake the lead for Ireland. Jack Crowley converted a penalty for Ireland with minutes to play that increased their lead to 13-08. Ireland deservedly beat the Springboks 13-08.
Scorers:
Springboks: Try: Cheslin Kolbe. Penalty: Manie Libbok.
Ireland: Try: Mack Hansen. Conversion: Johnny Sexton. Penalties: Johnny Sexton, Jack Crowley.
Teams:
Springboks: 1 Steven Kitshoff, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 3 Frans Malherbe, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese, 9 Faf de Klerk, 10 Manie Libbok, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 15 Damian Willemse. Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Jean Kleyn, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Marco van Staden, 22 Kwagga Smith, 23 Cobus Reinach.
Ireland: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Tadhg Beirne, 5 James Ryan, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Johnny Sexton (c), 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen, 15 Hugo Keenan. Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Robbie Henshaw.
