It was an easy comparison to make before the game that Ireland and South Africa's Rugby World Cup Pool B meeting in Paris was going to be like a heavyweight boxing match.Styles make fights, and so that came to pass.
The boxing comparisons continued after the full-time whistle, players and coaches on both sides predicting a rematch may well be on the cards.A lot of rugby still has to be played for that to happen, and while both sides are a good bet to make it to the quarters, France and New Zealand have to be toppled even before a semi-final.Saturday’s box-office clash at the Stade de France was a perfect example of how not to judge a game off the scoreboard.
Only two tries and 21 points in total were shared between the sides, yet there wasn’t a wasted second across the 80 minutes.
Both sides played their part in showing just how gripping rugby can be when physicality and skill meet in the middle. If we’re treated to a better game between now and the end of October, we’ll be doing well.There’s no doubt Ireland rode their luck, and South Africa can point to a handful of 'What if?’ moments that they will surely learn from as they head to the quarter-finals.Place-kicking was identified as their biggest concern both before the tournament and before this game.