Ireland did enough to beat world champion South Africa 19-16 in an arm wrestle at Lansdowne Road this morning to justify their ascent to No 1 in the rankings.
Ireland broke a 6-6 halftime deadlock with two tries in four minutes early in the second half, the first from a lineout maul by flanker Josh van der Flier and then a more expansive counter-attack try from left wing Mack Hansen.
Ireland led 16-6 at that point and appeared set to see the game home. But South Africa bit back through replacement forward Franco Mostert and wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, whose try in the left corner with three minutes to go threatened an upset in Dublin.
Ireland didn’t let it happen and continued their impressive recent record at Lansdowne Road, where they have won three straight against the Springboks. Andy Farrell’s team continue to look a good bet — albeit 10 months out — to challenge for their first Rugby World Cup title next year.
The result gave Ireland more confidence after they won an historic test series in New Zealand in July. It also struck a psychological blow for the Irish with the teams set to meet in the pool stage at the World Cup in France.