At what stage do we believe in the favourites' tag?
There were contrasting fortunes after the Test match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva stadium on Saturday evening.
Stuart Maccloskey Sport News
Irish Test centurion Murray ruled out of rest of Autumn Series
Scrumhalf Conor Murray has been ruled out of Ireland's remaining two Autumn Nations Test matches due to a groin injury, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed on Monday.
Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray to miss Fiji and Australia games due to injury
Conor Murray has been ruled out of the remainder of Ireland's autumn series due to injury but there were positive updates on a number of key players including captain Johnny Sexton.
Jackman: Irish depth and variety building ahead of 'open' RWC
RTÉ Rugby analyst Bernard Jackman said Ireland's ability to cope with South Africa's physicality was the most heartening aspect of Saturday's win at the Aviva Stadium and cautiously acknowledged that Andy Farrell's side are among the teams with legitimate World Cup aspirations.
Ireland player ratings: Josh van der Flier and Jimmy O'Brien shine in big win over South Africa
Ireland began their autumn campaign in style with a gripping 19-16 win over world champions South Africa in Dublin.
Farrell: Blunting Boks' attacking weapon key to win
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says he was pleased with how his team managed the occasion as the hosts edged out world champions South Africa in an absorbing Test match at the Aviva Stadium.
Brilliant Ireland hold off late Springboks comeback
The Springboks asked every question of Ireland.
Ireland shrug off injury setbacks to dig in for tense win over South Africa
Mack Hansen scored a scintillating try as Ireland shrugged off a host of injury setbacks to cement their status as rugby’s top-ranked nation by holding on for a tense 19-16 win over world champions South Africa.