The pace of the game suffered as neither team could consistently maintain momentum through the match. The fierce physical nature of the game meant players were constantly on the edge and tough tackles kept flying in as tempers flared. A total of six cards were handed out to the two teams throughout the game, with South Africa on the receiving end of three green cards and one yellow card and Irish players receiving one green and one yellow card as well.

Ireland scored early in the first half through Shane O’Donoghue, who has now scored a goal in all three games, and that lead took them all the way through to the final whistle, thanks to a terrific defensive performance by the entire team.

Player of the match Shane O’Donoghue, speaking after the game, said: "It was a heated battle between two really competitive teams. Our defence handled their purple patches really well and we can take this momentum into the semi-finals."

On Saturday afternoon at 15:45 the Proteas will face Korea in the semi-finals at the North West University.