
Ireland edged the clash of the thoroughbreds on Saturday night at the Stade de France. The world's top ranked team gritted their way past their nearest rivals South Africa 13-8 to take control of Group B at the 2023 rugby union World Cup.
Something had to give at the Stade de France. The Irish and South Africa had started the tournament confidently. Ireland thrashed Romania 82-8 in Bordeaux in their opening match and followed it up with a 59-16 victory over Tonga.