Simply incredible.

Ireland have taken a huge step forward at the Rugby World Cup tonight with victory over the reigning world champions, South Africa.

The men in green struggled to deal with the Springbok physicality in the opening stages but fought their way back into the contest, with Mack Hansen grabbing the opening try.

The Boks fought back with a try of their own from Cheslin Kolbe, but it was their goal-kicking that cost them in the end as Ireland ran out 13-8 winners with replacement Jack Crowley bagging a late penalty to seal it.

The atmosphere in the stadium was incredible throughout but there was a particular moment that almost foreshadowed Ireland’s win, with the fans getting behind Andy Farrell’s side with 20 minutes left to play.

As the players tried to catch their breath following 60 breath-taking minutes, the Fields of Athenry rang out through the stadium in a truly spine-tingling moment, with even television screens shaking at home.

Speaking after the game, Ireland boss Andy Farrell said he felt like there was definitely much more than the reported 30,000 Irish fans in attendance at the Stade de France.

“We unbelievably appreciate [the support],” Farrell said.

“They said there was gonna be 30,000. Surely there was more than that>

“And that song at the end [Zombie] too. It was lovely wasn’t it?