Some sporting occasions continue to reverberate long after the final whistle. Ireland’s 13-8 win against South Africa definitely falls into that category, for a host of reasons. As well as being a great game that qualified instantly as a modern classic, it was also a match that has blown the Rugby World Cup wide open.
Anyone still doubtful as to whether this Irish team are genuine contenders to hoist the Webb Ellis Cup back in the same stadium next month has certainly received a forthright answer. Perhaps even more importantly it has convinced the players themselves that, given a fair wind, there is no reason why they cannot push on and secure the holy grail.
