Courageous Ireland get better of Springboks after titanic tussle

Ireland took a massive step towards topping World Cup Pool B with a thrilling 13-8 victory over champions South Africa in Paris.

In doing so they have likely avoided a quarter-final meeting with hosts France, who lead the way in Pool A.

While defeat was never going to be fatal for either side, the psychological boost that taking the scalp of the fearsome Springboks, three-time Webb Ellis winners, can hardly be measured for Andy Farrell's men, who remain the world’s number one side.

Billed as a blockbuster, it didn’t disappoint, even if Ireland had to overcome a disastrous lineout performance, losing six throws.

But captain Johnny Sexton and centre Bundee Aki led from the front and the much hyped 'bomb squad’ were dismantled in Saint Denis.

Mack Hansen scored the only Irish try, while Sexton kicked five points, with Jack Crowley’s late penalty proving crucial as it forced South Africa, who missed four kicks off the tee, to find a try late on.

Rassie Erasmus’s gamble on not adding out-half Handre Pollard to the match-day 23 after a late call-up proved costly.

Farrell’s side now have a two-week break to prepare for Scotland, who play Tonga tomorrow in Nice.

A win of any description in that Paris match-up will seal first place for the Irish and set them on a collision course with three-time World Cup winners New Zealand.

Very little went right for Ireland in the opening quarter of an hour.

There was a complete lineout malfunction with four throws going astray and three handling errors.

Farrell's side had possession and territory but time and again, coughed up soft ball with the Springboks happy to take to the air as they cleared.

James Lowe slipped before Kurt-Lee Arendse caught a Faf de Klerk kick that bounced awkwardly in front of the