Ireland survived a late scare from world champions South Africa to clinch a close 13-8 win in their Pool B clash this morning.
The Springboks scored the first points of the match through a penalty kick from flyhalf Mannie Libbok to take an early 3-0 lead before Ireland replied with a converted try to winger Mack Hansen.
Ireland led 7-3 at halftime.
Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe scored an unconverted try in the corner to give South Africa a slight 8-7 lead before veteran Irish flyhalf Johnny Sexton converted another penalty in the 59th minute to regain the lead for Ireland.
Replacement flyhalf Josh Crowley converted another penalty in the last 5 minutes of the game to extend Ireland’s lead to 13-8.
The Springboks toiled hard in the dying stages of the game to try and pull a remarkable last-gasp try and possibly claim a win, but the Irish were strong in defence denying the Springboks from executing their set-pieces.
Ireland will now take on Scotland on the 8th of next month in their last pool clash while South Africa will play Tonga next Monday (2nd October).
In other matches this morning, Portugal held Georgia to an 18-all draw while England demolished Chile 71-0.
