Ireland defeated South Africa 13-8 after a bruising 80 minutes of rugby in Paris. In a game of pure attrition, sheer will, Bundee Aki and a mistake-ridden Ireland done just enough to see off a determined South African side and claim their sixteenth consecutive win.
Despite coming out of the traps racing, immense pressure on Ireland's set piece soon left them trailing by three points. However, on the verge of half-time, Mack Hansen reclaimed both the score line and momentum with a fantastic try that sent Ireland into the dressing room 7-3 up after a breathless opening 40 minutes.
Mack Hansen goes over and Ireland lead South Africa! ☘️
📺 Watch https://t.co/X7cSkZilkC…
📱 Updates https://t.co/rU6OV0cnGL…
📻 https://t.co/MBTch4SP3B pic.twitter.com/Hl9z0D37o7— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 23, 2023
The try was set up by an incredible linebreak by Bundee Aki, who would claim his second consecutive man of the match award, as his dream tournament continued.
That lead was short-lived as South Africa claimed the opening try of the second half, but Ireland weren't to be deterred with Johnny Sexton and Jack Crowley making it a 13-8 game before Ireland put up a dogged defence to kill a late rolling maul from South Africa and seal their 16th consecutive win.
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Bundee Aki Pays Tribute To 'Incredible' Irish Fans
Speaking after his man-of-the-match performance, Bundee Aki was left gobsmacked by the 30,000-strong Irish support in Paris, lauding them as 'incredible' and 'completely a joke' before warning things would only get crazier from here on in.
Lost for words you know. These Irish fans are incredible, honestly, I've never ever witnessed anything like this. It's a joke completely a joke and it's only going to bigger and crazier from here on in.
While Bundee Aki was delighted with the crowds, he wasn't convinced that he'd seen the last of South Africa in this World Cup:
South Africa gave it to us right from the beginning to the end and I can guarantee you whatever happens we probably will see them again.
Provided Ireland beat Scotland in two weeks' time, South Africa will more than likely now have to beat home-side France in a quarter-final. However, Aki obviously fancies a South African upset and having played both sides this year who are we to question Bundee's thoughts on who'll win that battle.
"These Irish fans are incredible." ☘️
"It's only going to get bigger and crazier from here on in."
Bundee Aki on a momentous night for Andy Farrell's side 💪
📺 Watch the reaction live https://t.co/X7cSkZilkC…
📱 Updates https://t.co/rU6OV0cnGL… pic.twitter.com/xUOHp0hgCQ— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 23, 2023
After the match, there were some great moments with Aki and his son Andronicus and his daughter Ailbhe.
23 September 2023; Bundee Aki of Ireland celebrates with his youngest child Ailbhe Lasela Ali'itasi Aki after the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
23 September 2023; Bundee Aki of Ireland with his son Andronicus Junior Papamauin after the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
SEE ALSO: Irish Celebs And Sporting Royalty Converge On Paris For South Africa Game
