The Springboks missed 11 potential points through kicks at goal as Ireland held out to claim a crucial World Cup pool victory in Paris on Saturday night.
A second-half penalty from captain Johnny Sexton was enough for Ireland to win 13-8 at the Stade de France and put themselves in the driving seat in Pool B.
An all-time contest in Paris 😵#RWC2023 | #RSAvIRE | @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/E2F1CXxEx8
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The win sees Andy Farrell’s side go four points clear on top of the pool and on track to face New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
South Africa, meanwhile, appear to be set to face tournament hosts France in the first round of playoffs, with one more fixture against Tonga to go for the defending champions.
An intense match saw both sides score a try a-piece, but goalkicking proved to be the difference as Manie Libbok and Faf de Klerk missed three penalties and a conversion between them.
The Springboks dominated the forward exchanges for the most part, especially when the seven replacement forwards came onto the field to great effect. However, for all their dominance, they only managed to take one big opportunity, when Cheslin Kolbe crossed the tryline in the second half.
Massive South Africa scrum! #RWC2023 | #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/EmuqHztlWL
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Ireland, meanwhile, recovered from a shaky start that saw them lose four successive lineout throws to take a 7-3 lead into the break, thanks to a well-taken try from Mack Hansen, which started with a wonderful linebreak from Bundee Aki.
What a break from Bundee Aki!#RWC2023 | #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/2kxVLzsjrC
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South Africa’s goalkicking success has been one major area of inconsistency in the build-up to the tournament and the issue will no doubt be raised again based on the second half.
While Libbok produced a sensational floated pass to set up Kolbe, he missed the conversion and a penalty attempt in quick succession, both of which would have put the Boks in the ascendency. De Klerk also stepped up to take two long-range shots at goal, but one hit the crossbar and the other went well wide.
The Springboks next face Tonga in their final pool game on Sunday, 1 October, which could see a recall to fit-again Handre Pollard, while Ireland take on Scotland on Saturday, 7 October.
Photo: FRANCK FIFE / AFP