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Ireland's dramatic, last-gasp defeat to England at Twickenham is unlikely to dent their expected pedigree as best side yet from the Emerald Isle to challenge the Springboks on their own terrain when they tour in mid-year.
Saturday's 23-22 upset at the hands of the fired-up hosts, courtesy of substitute Marcus Smith's cool dropped-goal seconds ahead of the final whistle, has perhaps done little more than please Six Nations neutrals - by ensuring the title chase extends to the last round next weekend.
True, the prospect of consecutive Grand Slams (something never yet achieved by the Irish) has now fluttered out of the window for them.
