Darren Cave: South Africa magic moment mustn't haunt Ireland

RTÉ rugby analyst Darren Cave has warned Ireland that they could become known worldwide as "the team that celebrated winning a group game" if they don't back up Saturday night’s famous World Cup win over South Africa.

The 13-8 Pool B win at Stade de France has Andy Farrell’s side on course for a quarter-final clash with New Zealand, but a loss to Scotland in their final group game could still see them exit the competition before the knockout stages.

Such a scenario, or even a quarter-final collapse, could leave those exuberant Paris celebrations on and off the pitch looking foolish, according to Cave, and he said that it’s imperative for the side to back up the result.

"I was almost caught between a rock and a hard place," Cave said on RTÉ’s Against the Head.

"Worldwide we'll probably be known as the team that celebrated winning a group game"

After the euphoria, Darren Cave says it’s important to remember that Ireland’s win over South Africa will count for nothing if they don’t back it up.

Against The Head, live on RTÉ2/RTÉ Player pic.twitter.com/R4D2XUG3X5

"Part of me was thinking that’s the most special Irish rugby occasion I ever remember, (that) I’ve ever seen in 36 years. And then I thought 'ah flip, there's nothing for it'.

"Will that moment be remembered if we don’t get past the quarter-final? Worldwide we’ll probably be known as the team that celebrated winning a group game.

"I did have a harsh reality, I just hope they kick on, but it was very, very special."

Despite his fears, Cave has no doubt that Farrell will quickly have the side back in game mode ahead of their 7 October meeting with Scotland and joked that Peter O'Mahony’s beaming smile would have quickly been wiped away.

"As the rugby public and pundits, we're