PARIS - In a riveting clash at the World Cup in Paris, Ireland has maintained its supremacy in Pool B by defeating the defending champions, South Africa. Despite a low-scoring affair, the match proved to be a breathtaking spectacle of rugby prowess.

The contest began with South Africa taking the lead as Manie Libbok's penalty kick edged them ahead, but Ireland quickly responded with an impressive try from Mack Hansen. The game continued to see-saw, with Cheslin Kolbe notching a crucial try for the Boks. However, Libbok's missed conversion allowed Johnny Sexton to regain the lead for Ireland with a well-executed penalty.

As the clock wound down, tension mounted, and Ireland's resolute defense absorbed relentless pressure from the Springboks. In a nail-biting conclusion, Jack Crowley's penalty secured an epic victory for Ireland, and the 78,452-strong crowd at Stade de France erupted in thunderous applause.

This win marks Ireland's remarkable 16th consecutive Test victory and significantly bolsters their World Cup aspirations. They proved their mettle against a ferocious South African side and now stand on the verge of another quarter-final berth.

While South Africa, having already defeated Scotland and Romania, remains on course for the knockout stage, this defeat marks their first in nine World Cup matches. They must regroup after this intense showdown with one of their arch-rivals in this titanic heavyweight contest.

The Springboks will undoubtedly rue their missed opportunities, particularly their unreliable goal-kicking, which prevented them from seizing the momentum on this fateful night.

The clash between these two rugby giants had been highly anticipated, featuring the world's top two teams in a captivating contrast of styles: Ireland's lightning-fast and ruthless attack against the robust South African defense that had conceded only three points in their previous two games.

While Ireland had secured a narrow 19-16 victory in Dublin when these teams met last year, it is widely acknowledged that South Africa transforms into a different beast on the grand stage of a World Cup.

The first half was marked by a series of uncharacteristic errors from Ireland, with South Africa capitalizing on a shaky Irish line-out to secure Libbok's pivotal penalty. Despite fervent support from their fans, the Grand Slam champions struggled to find their rhythm, while Springbok confidence grew with every powerful tackle, and Irish frustration mounted with each failed attempt to break through the three-time champions' defense.

However, the game's momentum took a dramatic turn seven minutes before halftime, as the in-form Bundee Aki, who celebrated his 50th cap, made a brilliant carry up the field, displaying both pace and power. This time, Ireland exhibited patience and swift ball movement, resulting in a deafening roar as Hansen touched down for a try. The veteran fly-half Sexton nailed the conversion, propelling Ireland to a 7-3 lead.

Despite South Africa's strong finish to the first half, Ireland's line-out issues persisted after the break. They were fortunate when Faf de Klerk's penalty attempt from halfway bounced off the post. The Springboks, however, rallied and worked the ball wide to Kolbe, who crossed the try line, putting the champions 8-7 ahead. Yet, with Libbok missing the conversion, Ireland regained the lead through Sexton's penalty.

As South Africa desperately chased the game, they turned to their much-discussed 'Bomb Squad' - the seven forwards on the bench. While Ireland's indiscipline provided opportunities for the Springboks, their kicking woes deepened as Libbok and De Klerk failed to land crucial penalties. Irish nerves were finally eased when Crowley, Sexton's replacement, extended their lead with a successful kick.

As the clock ticked down, Irish fans roared their team to victory, and South Africa had one final attempt to snatch the win, only to be thwarted by a green defensive wall. Thus, the first World Cup meeting between these two nations concluded with Irish ecstasy.

Having reaffirmed their status as the world's best team and serious contenders for the Webb Ellis Cup, Andy Farrell's squad is set to face Scotland in two weeks, while South Africa will take on Tonga in their final pool match next week.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]