Andy Farrell hailed the mental strength of his players after Ireland propelled themselves to the cusp of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with a statement 13-8 success over South Africa.The world's top-ranked team took control of Pool B by edging an epic contest on a raucous Paris evening thanks to Mack Hansen's try plus five points from Johnny Sexton and a late Jack Crowley penalty.Reigning champions South Africa dominated the second half at Stade de France but Ireland doggedly held on to str

Andy Farrell hailed the mental strength of his players after Ireland propelled themselves to the cusp of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with a statement 13-8 success over South Africa.The world's top-ranked team took control of Pool B by edging an epic contest on a raucous Paris evening thanks to Mack Hansen's try plus five points from Johnny Sexton and a late Jack Crowley penalty.Reigning champions South Africa dominated the second half at Stade de France but Ireland doggedly held on to stretch their winning run to 16 matches and move within touching distance of the knockout stages.