Rassie congratulates Ireland after 'intense and physical' encounter, lauds Kiwi ref's performance

SA Rugby's director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has congratulated Ireland on their 13-8 Rugby World Cup win over the Springboks on Saturday.

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It was an electric atmosphere at the Stade de France, with 78 542 fans watching the world's No 1-ranked team topple the defending World Cup champions.

The Boks will rue missing 11 kickable points at goal, while the Irish are now on course to top Pool B having won their 16th consecutive Test.

READ | Kicking woes 'not the only reason' Boks fell short in Ireland epic, says Nienaber

Erasmus made no excuses for South Africa's defeat and took to social media on Sunday morning to heap praise on Ireland. He also apologised to Springbok fans.

Writing on social media platform X, Erasmus called it an "intense and physical" encounter and he also lauded New Zealand referee Ben O'Keeffe's performance.

"Congrats to the Irish and sorry SA! We will just work harder and make you proud! Also nice to be involved in a game so intense and physical without the referee getting too much involved! Well done Ben and your team. Thank you SA for all the support was really lekka !!," Erasmus wrote.

Congrats to the Irish and sorry????!We will just work harder and make you proud! Also nice to be involved in a game so intense and physical without the referee getting too much invloved! Well done Ben and your team.Thank you???? for all the support was really lekka !! (maar hartseer)

The Boks must now beat Tonga in their final pool game in Marseille next Sunday to ensure a likely quarter-final meeting with hosts France.