Ireland start the defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown by facing Italy in Rome tomorrow.

Simon Zebo said he is delighted with the performances of Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw against the Springboks yesterday after all the hype surrounding them in the build-up to the match.

Rhys Ruddock and Tommy Bowe plundered tries to guide stubborn Ireland to their first victory over South Africa in five years at the Aviva Stadium.