Just over two hours after Ireland under-20s created history by becoming the first Irish team to beat a New Zealand side, their senior equivalents matched their heroics to become the first Irish team to emerge victorious in South Africa with a 26-20 win.
In what was an unprecedented day for Irish rugby, Joe Schmidt's injury-struck Ireland team were massive 9/2 underdogs to overturn the Springboks. If you put €1 on Ireland to win both rugby matches this morning, you'd be picking up €82.50 right now (odds of 81.5/1).
Irish fans and sportspeople alike were quick to hail their heroes on Twitter, with some fans agreeing with Joe Schmidt in hailing the performance as one of Ireland's best of all time.
History broken twice in one day! This tackle sums up Ireland's greatest win #IREvSA #Character pic.twitter.com/cOzqiEW2me
— Trevor Hogan (@TrevHogan) June 11, 2016
Incredible. What a performance!!
— Tommy Bowe (@TommyBowe) June 11, 2016
With 14 men - that's incredible!
— Rob Kearney (@KearneyRob) June 11, 2016
WATCH: The best victory in Ireland's history? Their first EVER win on South African soil. What a performance | SS1 https://t.co/9uKaeH6zHH
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) June 11, 2016
Has to be cleverest game management and best defence I've seen from any rugby team in such a long time #IREvSA @ireland_rugby
— Kieran Donnelly (@KDFROMKEADY) June 11, 2016
Great day for the parish....#IRFU #irelandu20 #irelandrugby....COYBIG 🇮🇪 #WeAreMallow
— Mallow RFC (@MallowRFC) June 11, 2016
One of the greatest #Ireland #rugby performances ever. 14 men for an hour, but beat the Springboks in SA. Incredible effort. #SAvIRE
— Robbie Meredith (@robbeorn) June 11, 2016
The best result/performance in the history of Irish international rugby #unreal #ireland #rugby
— Gregg Taylor (@greggtaylor15) June 11, 2016
