South Africa v Ireland LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 result and final score as Irish outmuscle Springboks
Ireland underlined their status as the number one team in the world with a bruising 13-8 Rugby World Cup victory over defending champions South Africa in Paris on Saturday, though the Springboks will rue their inaccuracy off the kicking tee.
Ireland scored their only try in the first half through wing Mack Hansen as he found some rare space out wide and led 7-3 at the break but had to withstand a barrage of Springbok pressure in the second half amid a raucous atmosphere.
South Africa’s only try came from winger Cheslin Kolbe but they missed the conversion and three penalty chances to highlight their goal-kicking woes and perhaps hasten the return of experienced fly-half Handre Pollard to the team.
Ireland will be odds-on to win the pool as they claimed a 16th test win in a row, while South Africa suffer defeat in a World Cup game for the first time in nine matches and will likely have to beat Tonga in their final group game on 1 October.
Follow all of the reaction from Stade de France. Plus get the latest Rugby World Cup odds here and tips on Ireland vs South Africa here.
Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa vs Ireland
South Africa face Ireland live on ITV1
Penalty! South Africa 3-0 Ireland (Libbok)
Try! South Africa 3-7 Ireland (Hansen)
Half-time: South Africa 3-7 Ireland
Try! South Africa 8-7 Ireland (Kolbe)
Penalty! South Africa 8-10 Ireland (Sexton)
Penalty! South Africa 8-13 Ireland (Crowley)
Full-time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Ireland prove they can win Rugby World Cup after beating up Springboks
Saturday 23 September 2023 22:42 , Lawrence Ostlere
France vs New Zealand got this Rugby World Cup off to a compelling start amid a febrile atmosphere, Wales vs Fiji provided the controversy and last-gasp drama before the Fijians then delivered the well-deserved upset against Australia. But it’s Ireland’s narrow, 13-8 win over South Africa that will go down as this tournament’s first true example of vintage, pure Test match rugby. And it was spell-binding.
Report from Paris, by Luke Baker:
Ireland prove they can win Rugby World Cup after beating up Springboks
Full-time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 22:24 , Lawrence Ostlere
Johnny Sexton speaks: “It felt like a home fixture. We were told there were 30,000 Irish fans coming over – it felt like double that. We’ve had big wins before, especially in the pool stages, like beating France in Cardiff, but never backed it up by getting past the quarter-finals, as we keep being reminded. But all our focus now is on Scotland.
“I’m OK, the intensity... No disrespect to our first two opponents but that was a proper test match. I’ll get some rest and then prepare for Scotland.”
Full-time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 22:17 , Lawrence Ostlere
Mack Hansen speaks: “It was like a grand slam on steroids out there. It seemed like there was 800,000 people out there, it was unbelievable. To get a win over the defending champions, it doesn’t get better than that. But we’ve got a tough game against a really good Scotland team next week, and if we win that, it’s either France or New Zealand in the quarter-finals. So it doesn’t get any easier.”
Full-time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 22:09 , Lawrence Ostlere
Bryan Habana both loved and hated that match:
🗣️"As a rugby lover, this is phenomenal" 🔥@BryanHabana with the right words to describe the atmosphere in Paris!#RWC2023 | #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/1Hfw3Jp6de
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) September 23, 2023
Full-time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 22:00 , Lawrence Ostlere
Bundee Aki speaks: “These Irish fans are incredible, I’ve never experienced anything like it. South Africa are outstanding, they gave it to us from the start. I’m pretty sure we’ll see them again later in this competition and it’ll be even more intense.”
Full-time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:57 , Lawrence Ostlere
There are still games to be played in this pool stage, but it is looking likely that the quarter-finals could see hosts France take on reigning champions South Africa, and Ireland face New Zealand. Tasty. Scotland could still have something to say about that, though.
Full-time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:54 , Lawrence Ostlere
Ireland have beaten South Africa 13-8 in their World Cup Pool B match in Paris to lay down a marker for the rest of the tournament.
Mack Hansen’s first-half try gave the Irish a four point lead at half-time and although Cheslin Kolbe hit back with a try for the Springboks in the second half, a series of missed kicks cost them dearly.
Replacement fly-half Jack Crowley added a late penalty as Ireland triumphed 13-8 to put themselves on the cusp of the quarter-finals.
Full-time: South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:49 , Lawrence Ostlere
Ireland win a penalty from the lineout and that’s it – they celebrate as the whistle blows!
South Africa 8-13 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:47 , Lawrence Ostlere
79 min: South Africa win a penalty on the halfway line and Libbok boots to the corner. There will one final play from a South Africa lineout inside the Irish 22...
Penalty! South Africa 8-13 Ireland (Crowley)
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:45 , Lawrence Ostlere
77 min: Ireland’s pack holds firm and they win another penalty from South Africa, who offered up a double shove before the ball had been put in. A simple kick, and Ireland extend their lead.
South Africa 8-10 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:43 , Lawrence Ostlere
75 min: A wild, manic, chaotic couple of minutes! An Irish forward grabs a loose ball and boots it long, and what follows is a chase back into the South African 22 and a scrappy period of play with no structure, and turnovers aplenty. It all ends with a poor drop-goal effort by Ireland’s Crowley, who had just replaced Sexton. But the ball touched a South African hand on the way through, meaning Ireland have a scrum on the Springboks’ 5m line...
South Africa 8-10 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:39 , Lawrence Ostlere
72 min: South Africa push too early in the scrum and they are penalised with a free-kick to Ireland. Lowe boots downfield.
South Africa 8-10 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:37 , Lawrence Ostlere
70 min: South Africa create a maul and referee O’Keefe awards a penalty for side entry against Tadhg Beirne. South Africa go to the corner for a lineout – but it’s not thrown straight! What a mistake. Ireland will have a scrum on their own 5m line.
South Africa 8-10 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:33 , Lawrence Ostlere
67 min: South Africa come on again – but it’s a brilliant steal at the breakdown and Ireland get some relief inside their own 22.
South Africa 8-10 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:30 , Lawrence Ostlere
65 min: Another penalty, another kick for South Africa. This one is on the halfway line and so it’s left to the big left boot of De Klerk... who slaps it wildly off target. That was dreadful.
South Africa 8-10 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:29 , Luke Baker
From our reporter Luke Baker in Paris:
The pre-match headlines were dominated by South Africa’s decision to go for a 7-1 split of forwards to backs on the bench and we’re about to see if that unique strategy pays off. They’ve avoided the early backline injury that could have scuppered their plans and they’ll now have seven fresh big men up front compared to Ireland’s five as we reach the business end of this gruelling Test match. The early signs are positive, with a couple of scrum victories for the new-look pack, but they need to successfully kick their points when on offer, which Manie Libbok and Faf de Klerk are currently failing to do. Can Ireland hold on and take advantage?
South Africa 8-10 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:28 , Lawrence Ostlere
63 min: Wow, formidable by South Africa’s forwards who put on huge pressure and win a penalty after marching straight through the Irish scrum. But Libbok misses another kick – again, he really should have made it. It was perhaps 40 yards out, but not on much of an angle.
South Africa 8-10 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:25 , Lawrence Ostlere
61 min: Irish forwards pat each other on the back once more after winning another breakdown penalty. A huge roar goes up around the Stade de France. Scrum for Ireland, who are looking to turn the screw on this replaced South African pack.
Penalty! South Africa 8-10 Ireland (Sexton)
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:22 , Lawrence Ostlere
59 min: Sexton makes no mistake and Ireland retake the lead. What a match, and it’s just as close as we hoped it would be.
South Africa 8-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:21 , Lawrence Ostlere
58 min: A big moment for Ireland – their pack wins a penalty after South Africa are deemed to have collapsed the scrum. They celebrate fiercely. The answer to the question below is no, right now. Sexton will kick at goal from a very central position.
South Africa 8-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:18 , Lawrence Ostlere
56 min: South Africa have replaced five of their forwards; Ireland are yet to replace one. Will that difference in energy start to tell?
South Africa 8-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:17 , Lawrence Ostlere
53 min: Great play by South African full back Willemse, who sidesteps Ringrose on to the floor and then drills a kick which bounces off near the Irish 22.
Try! South Africa 8-7 Ireland (Kolbe)
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:15 , Lawrence Ostlere
50 min: That pressure pays! Ireland give away a penalty advantage and South Africa take the chance to fling the ball wide. Waiting on the left touchline in space is wing Cheslin Kolbe, who has plenty of time to not only score but run a little closer to the posts. It’s a bad miss from Libbok, though.
South Africa 3-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
48 min: South Africa come again, and they win a penalty in Irish territory when Aki seals at the ruck, preventing the Springboks from turning it over. They opt to scrum, five yards out. They want to pile pressure on the Irish pack...
South Africa 3-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:10 , Lawrence Ostlere
45 min: Brilliant work at the breakdown by the Springbok’s No 8 Wiese, who forces the Irish to hold on and fail to release. Penalty, and De Klerk goes for a kick from long range.... he hits the posts! South Africa chase it down and collect the ball in Ireland’s 22, but James Lowe does brilliantly to tackle Etzebeth, create a maul and earn a penalty for the Irish.
South Africa 3-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:06 , Lawrence Ostlere
42 min: Sexton kicks into the corner and tries to point out that it deflected off a South African hand, but he’s ignored. It matters not though, as O’Mahony immediately disrupts Etzebeth’s attempt to catch the lineout, and Ireland get their own. But South Africa pinch it! Ireland’s opportunity is gone.
South Africa 3-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 21:03 , Lawrence Ostlere
The referee gives his whistle a peeeep! and we’re under way. And immediately Etzebeth gives away a penalty to give Ireland some relief from early pressure. That seemed harsh, on replay. The lock tried to roll away.
Half-time: South Africa 3-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:57 , Lawrence Ostlere
That first half, in pictures:
South Africa 3-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:50 , Luke Baker
From our reporter Luke Baker in Paris:
What an incredible half of Test match rugby. More physical and bruising than we could have imagined - both teams have been fighting for every inch with ball in hand, in the tackle and at the breakdown. And, if anything, Ireland are outmuscling the Springboks. Ireland centre Bundee Aki has led the way, just as he has all tournament. It was his initial linebreak that led to the 22 entry for Ireland’s only try and he then got them back in there once they’d been pushed out by the well-marshalled Boks defence. He made a brilliant dominant tackle on Jesse Kriel just metres from the line midway through the half when the Springboks centre looked destined to score and Aki has been the go-to man on first-phase crash ball, consistently getting over the gainline. It has been a masterclass from him so far.
Half-time: South Africa 3-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:47 , Lawrence Ostlere
It comes to nothing, and that’s half-time.
Wow, breathless stuff. Great to watch.
South Africa 3-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:45 , Lawrence Ostlere
39 min: Ireland celebrate another breakdown penalty like they’ve scored a try. Sexton kicks deep into South African territory and this will be the final play of the half.
South Africa 3-7 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:44 , Lawrence Ostlere
37 min: James Lowe tries a clever kick down the line as South Africa’s rush defence comes up, but it’s just a little overcooked and it bounces behind.
Try! South Africa 3-7 Ireland (Hansen)
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:40 , Lawrence Ostlere
33 min: This time it pays off! Ireland probe and probe, working across the try line from left to right. A clever move involving Sexton almost sees the fly half over for the score but he’s stopped just short – but with the very next phase Ireland fling it wide to Mack Hansen who has space to go over.
Sexton adds the two.
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:37 , Lawrence Ostlere
30 min: A brilliant break by Bundee Aki who steams through midfield and is eventually hauled down inside South Africa’s 22. Ireland work through phase after phase but South Africa hold firm – until they give away a penalty. Ireland could simply kick, but they go for the corner, again...
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:33 , Lawrence Ostlere
27 min: James Lowe retreats to collect and then tries to shimmy his way out of trouble. He fails and gets tackled on his own 22, isolated, but does well to hold on just long enough to get some support and avoid a turnover. Ireland earn themselves a scrum in their defensive territory.
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:30 , Lawrence Ostlere
24 min: Ireland survive once more as Kriel fails with an ambitious offload on the try line. He didn’t need to attempt that.
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:28 , Lawrence Ostlere
22 min: Damian de Allende crashes into Sexton, who goes down looking a little shaken. The centre bursts on and is held up just shy of the try line, before Ireland manage to scramble the ball away and touch down to give South Africa a 5m attacking scrum.
Sexton seems to be OK. Ireland have some more defending to do.
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:25 , Lawrence Ostlere
21 min: Ireland win the lineout but Etzebeth charges down a box kick superbly and Ireland are struggling to get out of their own 22 right now. Meanwhile Garry Ringrose is coming off for a HIA replacement after taking a whack in a tackle.
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:23 , Lawrence Ostlere
19 min: A brilliant kick by Willemse bobbles out right by the corner flag – perfection. Ireland will have a throw on their five-metre line...
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:21 , Lawrence Ostlere
17 min: Brilliant defence by the Irish who force the South Africans into giving up a penalty for failing to release. Sexton kicks towards the corner and this time Ireland win their own lineout – but they give away a penalty themselves at the breakdown for the same reason. Both teams are celebrating in each other’s faces, it’s getting tasty.
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:18 , Lawrence Ostlere
15 min: Ireland go so close as Hugo Keenan’s brilliant run is stopped just short of the line and the ball is then dropped. This is a great contest so far, living up to its billing.
Scrum to South Africa inside their own half.
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:14 , Lawrence Ostlere
12 min: Another shocking lineout by Ireland, with Kelleher again throwing too deep and South Africa steal it. A waste.
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
10 min: Ireland survive the next scrum without losing a penalty, then win a penalty themselves after Etzebeth fails to roll away at the breakdown. Sexton boots the penalty deep into South African territory.
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:10 , Lawrence Ostlere
7 min: Ireland are already under severe pressure at the set-piece. They are penalised at the scrum and told by referee Ben O’Keeffe that the next one’s a penalty after pushing too early...
South Africa 3-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:09 , Luke Baker
From our reporter Luke Baker in Paris:
We expected this Test match to be physical but the brutality so far has been incredible. Ronan Kelleher set the tone when he absolutely crunched and dump tackled Damian Willemse after barely 15 seconds of play with a hit that you could fee here up in the Gods at the Stade de France. The Springboks responded in kind though as Garry Ringrose was spectacularly cleared out at the breakdown, having made a great recovery tackle. To win this game, Ireland will need to match South Africa’s notorious physicality and so far, so good.
Penalty! South Africa 3-0 Ireland (Libbok)
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:09 , Lawrence Ostlere
5 min: Ireland are penalised for being off their feet in the ruck, and South Africa do opt to kick, albeit from a more central position. The Springboks lead.
South Africa 0-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:05 , Lawrence Ostlere
3 min: Ireland lose the lineout and that immediately feels like a major error not to kick the penalty. Now South Africa are on the attack with ball in hand...
South Africa 0-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:04 , Lawrence Ostlere
2 min: Ireland earn a quick penalty after Kitshoff was caught not rolling away. They could get some points on the board but they go for the corner...
South Africa 0-0 Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 20:03 , Lawrence Ostlere
1 min: Sexton kicks long and Kelleher sets the tone with a huge first tackle! Bang.
South Africa vs Ireland LIVE – Rugby World Cup
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:58 , Lawrence Ostlere
Ireland’s Call is belted out by the Irish players and the majority of the Stade de France – spine-tingling. South Africa are not quite so well supported tonight but there are plenty of flags and Springbok jerseys in the crowd.
Here we go then. Ireland are wearing green, incidentally, and South Africa are in white.
South Africa vs Ireland LIVE – Rugby World Cup
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:55 , Lawrence Ostlere
The players are out on the pitch – they jog out either side of the Webb Ellis Trophy: what odds on the winner of this match collecting that historic cup in a few weeks’ time? Here come the anthems...
South Africa vs Ireland
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:52 , Luke Baker
From our reporter Luke Baker in Paris:
The atmosphere is raucous inside the Stade de France. As the teams are read out, it’s clear that Irish fans are outnumbering their South African counterparts, although both are out in force. Johnny Sexton receives a thunderous ovation as he’s announced, easily the biggest of all the players, although Bundee Aki isn’t too far behind. Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi with the biggest roar from a South African perspective. The anthems could well rock the foundations of the Eiffel Tower about 12km away...
South Africa vs Ireland LIVE – Rugby World Cup
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:49 , Lawrence Ostlere
There has been lots of debate in the build-up to this one about South Africa’s 7-1 split of forwards to backs on the bench, something no other side is doing at this World Cup. The Springboks used it effectively to pulverise New Zealand a few weeks ago but it is “high risk”, says Bryan Habana on ITV, with an injury in the back line potentially leaving the team exposed. Some Irish commentators have called it “unfair” but Brian O’Driscoll says we wouldn’t be hearing those comments “if Ireland’s superpower was that forward strength and the shoe was on the other foot”.
Habana also thinks the first scrum of the match will be hugely telling and a “cliff-hanger” – I’m not sure that’s the phrase he’s looking for but you know what he means.
Talking points as Ireland take on South Africa
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:46 , Luke Baker
Farrell a big fan of “world-class” Sheehan
Ireland have been relatively fortunate with injuries so far. But the facial fracture which has cast doubt on France captain Antoine Dupont’s future participation in the tournament is a reminder to all teams of the potential risk of losing key players.
In a major boost, first-choice hooker Dan Sheehan is back on the bench this weekend, awaiting his first outing since sustaining a foot problem in last month’s warm-up win over England.
Sheehan has shone since making his Test debut less than two years ago. Farrell hailed the Leinster man as “world class” and his availability could make a major difference moving forward.
Talking points as Ireland take on South Africa
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:40 , Luke Baker
Home away from home
Following sojourns in Bordeaux and Nantes, Ireland will hope to make Paris a permanent home for the five next weeks. All of their remaining fixtures – up to five in total – will be staged at Stade de France.
The stadium has not been a particularly happy hunting ground in recent times. Two of the seven losses suffered in the 40 matches of Farrell’s reign have come in Saint-Denis: costly Six Nations defeats to France in 2020 and 2022.
Yet there will be a different complexion to this weekend’s game. Instead of enduring a partisan crowd, Ireland will be backed by around 30,000 travelling fans, giving a neutral venue the feel of a home fixture.
Talking points as Ireland take on South Africa
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:34 , Luke Baker
Quarter-finals calling
Ireland have the opportunity to secure a quarter-final spot with a game to spare, while South Africa could also take a significant step towards the last eight. The Six Nations champions have won seven of the last 11 meetings between the sides, including a 19-16 success in November.
Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus this week referenced the head-to-head results while also highlighting Ireland’s record of never having won a World Cup knockout match.
“A few of my friends said that Ireland is our bogey team, but the World Cup is Ireland’s bogey competition,” he said. The victors will almost certainly top Pool B and probably avoid hosts France in the next round.
Talking points as Ireland take on South Africa
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:27 , Luke Baker
Defusing the ‘Bomb Squad’
Much has been made of South Africa’s bold decision to stack their bench with a seven-one split of forwards and backs. The Springboks successfully deployed the unusual strategy in last month’s crushing 35-7 warm-up win over the All Blacks.
South Africa boss Jacques Nienaber has divided opinion by using it in a World Cup fixture for the first time, while a mocked-up image circulating on social media depicting rival coach Farrell in a blast suit has provided some amusement in the Ireland camp.
The former dual-code international talked down the significance of South Africa’s tactical statement of intent and urged his players to stick to their own strengths.
Talking points as Ireland take on South Africa
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:19 , Luke Baker
World No 1 versus world No 2
Test rugby’s top-ranked teams collide in one of the most eagerly anticipated pool stage matches in World Cup history.
Ireland have led the way since last summer’s historic tour success in New Zealand but face a heavyweight clash against the reigning champions early in the competition courtesy of the draw being made based on the rankings at the start of 2020.
Bookmakers have South Africa as marginal favourites, while Ireland head coach Farrell feels the rest of the world expects his side to lose. The Englishman is well aware of the fixture’s importance but insists it is not “do or die”.
Five-try Henry Arundell provides X-factor as England put Chile to the sword
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:14 , Lawrence Ostlere
Harry Latham-Coyle reports from Lille on England’s win over Chile:
For Henry Arundell, nothing could break a sense of reverie. There are dream World Cup debuts and then there was this, Arundell becoming only the fourth Englishman to score five tries in a single match as Chile were put to the sword. Who knows what the future holds for a player still with years, but aside from a sip from the Webb Ellis Cup, this first experience of tournament rugby will surely not be topped.
Full story:
Five-try Henry Arundell provides X-factor as England put Chile to the sword
South Africa vs Ireland referee
Saturday 23 September 2023 19:10 , Luke Baker
Who is Rugby World Cup official Ben O’Keeffe? Here’s a closer look at the man in the middle tonight:
South Africa vs Ireland referee: Who is Rugby World Cup official Ben O’Keeffe?
Stuart Hogg: Facing South Africa makes you think ‘when is this going to stop’ but here’s how Ireland can win
Saturday 23 September 2023 18:57 , Luke Baker
Writing exclusively for The Independent, Scotland and Lions legend Stuart Hogg unpicks the biggest match of the pool stage – a colossal battle between the Springboks and Ireland – and reflects on Scotland having reached the nervy ‘win or bust’ stage already:
Stuart Hogg: Here’s how Ireland can beat South Africa and their blitz defence
South Africa vs Ireland LIVE – Rugby World Cup
Saturday 23 September 2023 18:46 , Lawrence Ostlere
Paul O’Connell says Ireland must draw on the big-game experience which brought a historic series win in New Zealand and the Six Nations Grand Slam to defeat South Africa.
Ireland go into this pivotal Pool B appointment on a 15-match winning streak, including turning over the All Blacks on enemy territory and a Dublin success over the Springboks in November. Andy Farrell’s men are viewed as slight underdogs for the Stade de France showdown but forwards coach O’Connell has backed the team to figure out a way to register another statement win.
“It’s going to take a big performance for sure,” said the former Ireland captain. “They obviously present a big physical challenge, I think we present a big physical challenge, and they present a real technical challenge as well.
“They’re a very smart side and one of the things you probably admire most about them is the smarts they can bring along with their physicality. It’s a strength of our side as well, so we speak about this Irish team and what this Irish team stands for. They’ve got to bring everything they’ve brought to the big occasions they’ve been in in the last few years.
“We’ve had a Test series decider down in New Zealand, we’ve had a Grand Slam decider, we’ve had a tough autumn series against some very tricky opposition and the boys have always found a way and figured it out. It’s a real strength of theirs.
“They’re going to have play super well but they’re also going to have to figure things out and it’s something I really enjoy watching them do when they have a challenge in front of them, how they manage to figure it out as a group and they’re going to have to do that at the weekend.”
Dupont injury – latest news
Saturday 23 September 2023 18:34 , Lawrence Ostlere
France were sweating on the condition of captain Antoine Dupont after the mercurial scrumhalf suffered a suspected jaw fracture during the hosts’ record 96-0 victory against Namibia at the Rugby World Cup on Thursday.
“There is a suspicion of a crack or fracture of the maxillary bone,” head coach Fabien Galthie said. “He currently is in hospital, he’s being tested, I can’t tell you more than that. I’m staying connected and will tell you more if I hear (from him). I’m writing to him now - live.
“We are never happy when a player gets injured. We are extremely concerned. It’s not the same as if we’d had no injuries.”
Dupont sustained the injury in the 46th minutes in a head-to-head clash with Johan Deysel, whose initial yellow card was upgraded to a red. The 26-year-old, voted best player in the world in 2021 and at the last two Six Nations, had his cheekbone iced before he walked off the field holding his jaw.
He then left the Stade de Marseille to undergo medical assessments.
France were already without their number one flyhalf Romain Ntamack for the World Cup after the Toulouse player suffered a knee injury in a warm-up test last month.
“There was an interception, we were regrouping then saw the images on the big screen and we understood,” flanker Charles Ollivon said.
“It was late and to the head so it was quite clear. These things happen unfortunately, but we stayed concentrated and went forward straight away. You don’t have time to ponder things unfortunately.”
France next face Italy in Pool A on 6 October.
South Africa vs Ireland - the fans are out in force
Saturday 23 September 2023 18:25 , Luke Baker
From our reporter Luke Baker in Paris:
I was here at the Stade de France for the opening match of this World Cup between France and the All Blacks and it was an atmosphere unlike anything I’d ever experienced. If early signs are anything to go by, it could be similar this evening. Paris was overrun by green jerseys – Irish and South African – from mid-afternoon and the metro to the stadium was packed about four hours before kick-off, with singing, chanting and roof-thumping in every carriage. Even the locals appear to have picked a side, with plenty of those jerseys being worn by French rugby fans.
Georgia and Portugal share spoils at Rugby World Cup as both miss last-gasp chances to win
Saturday 23 September 2023 18:16 , Luke Baker
A reminder of the result earlier today: Nuno Sousa Guedes missed a last-minute penalty as Portugal agonisingly failed to secure a first-ever Rugby World Cup victory on Saturday as Georgia scored a 78th-minute try - then missed the conversion - to force a thrilling 18-18 Pool C draw.
Georgia and Portugal share spoils as both miss last-gasp chances to win
South Africa vs Ireland – team news
Saturday 23 September 2023 18:02 , Luke Baker
South Africa went to a rotated side against Romania but return to full strength for this clash, with Rassie Erasmus making just one change from the side that beat Scotland in the Springboks opening game of the tournament. That change comes in the front row with Bongi Mbonambi replacing the injured Malcolm Marx.
There’s also encouraging news in the second row as Eben Etzebeth recovers from a shoulder injury he picked up against Scotland to return to the starting lineup.
Ireland, meanwhile, make just one change from the side that beat Tonga last weekend as Jamison Gibson-Park comes in at scrum-half in place of Conor Murray. Elsewhere, Dan Sheehan returns from injury and is back on the bench.
South Africa vs Ireland – line-ups
Saturday 23 September 2023 17:45 , Luke Baker
South Africa XV: Steven Kitshoff, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese; Faf de Klerk, Manie Libbok; Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Damian Willemse.
Replacements: Dean Fourie, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach.
Ireland XV: Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Peter O’Mahony, Josh Van der Flier; Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jonny Sexton; James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw.
South Africa vs Ireland LIVE – Rugby World Cup
Saturday 23 September 2023 17:30 , Luke Baker
It really doesn’t get much better than this, does it? South Africa and Ireland prepare to lock horns tonight in perhaps the biggest game of this year’s Rugby World Cup pool stage.
Two of the favourites to win the tournament, both are unbeaten so far and will be eyeing up a massive win to put themselves in pole position to finish top of the group.
South Africa secured a hard-earnt victory over Scotland before breezing past Romania, while Ireland have scored comfortable victories over Romania and Tongo in their first two games.
Rugby World Cup 2023 results in full
Friday 22 September 2023 16:08 , Jack Rathborn
The 2023 Rugby World Cup could be defined by who escapes from Pools A and B with the world’s heavyweight nations in action, including South Africa and Ireland aiming to qualify in top spot.
Keep track of all the latest results from France below:
Every Rugby World Cup 2023 match result so far
South Africa vs Ireland
Friday 22 September 2023 14:38 , Imogen Ainsworth
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of South Africa vs Ireland.
It’s a highly anticipated match in Pool B as the world number one side take on the defending World Cup champions in what is set to be a fierce battle.
Follow all the live coverage here.
