Ireland took down defending champions South Africa in a game that is already being considered a classic at the ongoing Rugby World Cup.
Ireland’s win opens the tournament to a whole new world of possibilities.
Ireland’s 13-8 victory now shatters any lingering doubts people may have about their challenge to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in the next month.
The Irish players now share a sense of belief that going all the way now is an even bigger possibility.
Tadhg Beirne Speaks To The Press
Speaking to the press, lock forward Tadhg Beirne said, “When we go into the game, I don’t think anyone in this squad feels like we’re going to lose. There’s just this aura within the squad where we know we can do it. We just have to deliver what we’re good at.”
Ireland has won 28 of their last 30 international matches, with the victory against South Africa being their 16th Test win on the trot.
Beirne further stated, “It’s about putting our patches together into an 80-minute performance. If we do that, we know we can beat any team in the world.”
This new attitude and confidence within the Irish camp will not be put to the test in the quarter-finals, where they may face New Zealand, who will look to push Ireland to their limits.
Beirne spoke highly of the defending champions, “They’re a serious side; they have unbelievable individuals. They’re going to grow as the competition goes on. If we can keep going in the competition, I’ve no doubt we’ll probably meet them again.”
What’s Next For South Africa?
South Africa now seems likely to face France unless Scotland shocks the world by taking the spot away from the defending champions and facing the French instead.
France looks likely to be without their captain and talisman, Antoine Dupont, who was injured in their pool game against Namibia.
France will have to push themselves to their limits if they want to go all the way in this World Cup.
South Africa had issues regarding their goal-kicking in their game against Ireland, with the lack of a specialist hooker in the original squad surprising many.
Ireland used close-quarters plays, breaking past the South African defense known as the “Bomb Squad.”
The game was a prime example of physicality, speed, and committed defenses.
Ireland now has a break this week, allowing them to relax after a job well done against the resilient South African side,
Ireland will now look to build on their immense fan support, which was visible all through this World Cup, and look to go all the way to the “Holy Grail” that has eluded them for so long.
