Ireland are there to be shot at now but their first assignment since they climbed to the top of the world rankings in the summer was negotiated successfully against the toughest opponents they will face this autumn. Still this win over South Africa took its toll.
In the end Ireland’s superior class at half-back was the difference, South Africa’s fly-half, Damian Willemse, struggling in particular. But Johnny Sexton had to come off for the last few minutes, nursing an injury through much of the second half. After a horrible first half, enough space was located for each side to score two tries but Ireland were just that bit more composed.
