The win at Croke Park was Ireland’s third in a row over the Springboks and the Leinster centre hailed their willingness to match the world champions blow for blow in an often ferocious encounter.

The RBS 6 Nations champions attacked the breakdown with ferocity and gave everything in defence, prompting centre Gordon D'Arcy to state that Ireland refuse to be cowed.

"South Africa try to bully you off the pitch but if there was any bullying to be done we were going to do it," said D'Arcy.

"This calendar year we've shown we're a physical team with a pack that can mix it with anyone in the world.

"When it comes down to the nitty gritty we can do it as well as anyone."

D'Arcy also took a swipe at South Africa's tactics, questioning why they continued to bombard man-of-the-match Rob Kearney with high balls when the Leinster full-back was returning everything thrown at him with interest.

"Rob caught those balls on the run. It's a huge thing for the pack to look back and see Rob take the ball on the run and carry it straight back," he said.

"You have to ask why a team's gameplan would be to kick the ball to him."

D'Arcy hailed matchwinner Jonathan Sexton's nerveless display in booting five penalties.

"It's a mark of a good player that when the pressure comes on he wants the ball," he said.

"He always wants it - it was the same during the Heineken Cup semi-finals and final last season."