Ireland got the better of South Africa last night in their Rugby World Cup Pool B encounter at the Stade de France.
While low on scores (13-8) the game certainly delivered with those watching in the stadium and at home captivated by what they witnessed.
The South African media have been reacting to their side's defeat and its fair to say that they are not too downbeat.
A headline on 'The South African' reads: 'Springboks defeat to Ireland a blessing in disguise.'
In the article written by James Freemantle the point is made that South Africa lost in the pool stages in 2019 against New Zealand before going onto win the tournament.
It also looks like they will now play France in the quarter-final, which Freemantle is not concerned by:
"Without key halfback pairing Romain Ntamack and Antoine Dupont, however, France might not be as daunting an opponent as previously expected. If the Boks can get past France, should that quarter-final materialize, they could face Wales in the semis and then Ireland or New Zealand in the final," he writes.
South African media react to Rugby World Cup loss against Ireland
In 'The Mail and Guardian' Pirate Irwin is critical of Ronan Kelleher:
"The Irish lineout was, to put it mildly, all over the place with hooker Ronan Kelleher’s throwing at fault as they lost four successive ones.
"It was Kelleher again who spoiled a great opportunity after a superb run by Hugo Keennan had them a metre from the tryline.
"Kelleher knocked on and received a consoling pat on the head — he looked at that point as if he needed something stronger."
In 'The Times Live' Liam Del Carme says that the clash leaves him with no doubts that Ireland and South Africa are the "game's two apex teams."
"There were different shades of green, but the one no-one wanted was the one signalling envy," he adds.
"The Boks for now have to settle for that as Ireland look destined for pool honours."
Elsewhere in 'The Daily Maverick' Craig Ray says that the game was worthy of the final.
"It was a match of the highest quality for the most part. Hard, played on the ragged edge, but never spilling over into anything illegal. There is a great deal of respect between the sides and it showed in the contest."#RSAvIRE #RWC2023 https://t.co/3gy02cXfn6
— Craig Ray (@craigray11) September 24, 2023
"This was simply a brutal Test worthy of the final and it could well be the final on 28 October, although there is a lot of rugby to be played before then," Ray writes.
"There is a reason these two sides were first and second on the world rankings coming into the match – they are both teams with no weaknesses and plenty of strengths."
South Africa take on Tonga next week, while Ireland face a two week break now before they face the challenge of Scotland.
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