Get back in yer Boks, say Irish

Green Army marches on after gritty, resilient win

- NEIL SQUIRES

South Africa 8

Ireland 13 

IRELAND took down world champions South Africa in a Paris humdinger to put one foot into the knockout stages and lay down a massive marker for the rest of the tournament.

The Springboks were left to rue four missed kicks from half-backs Manie Libbock and Faf de Klerk as Ireland, brilliant at the breakdown, took charge of Pool B.

A first-half try from Mack Hansen set Andy Farrell's side on their way to a famous victory over the in-form Boks, which will cement Ireland's belief that this could be their World Cup.

Last night's clash, which attracted a capacity crowd to the Stade de France, including European Ryder Cup stars Rory Mcllroy and Shane Lowry, was the first World Cup meeting between the sides. It was billed as the game of the tournament so far world champions against World's No 1 and it did not disappoint.