Ireland's belief grows after fronting up in ultra-physical contest

SLIDING IN: Mack Hansen of Ireland scores his side's second try during the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

IRELAND 19 SOUTH AFRICA 16 

In Ireland’s brave new world of perpetual improvement this was just another step along the road, the muted celebrations on the pitch after this victory told you as much.