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Ireland emerged from a blockbuster win over South Africa with a clean bill of health but wary there are \u201cbig tests on the horizon\u201d at the Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
Andy Farrell\u2019s men took control of Pool B with a stirring 13-8 defeat of the Springboks in Paris to put themselves on the brink of the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n
Players will go their separate ways to enjoy a few days off following an unforgettable evening at a raucous Stade de France before reconvening to prepare to finish the job against Scotland on October 7.<\/p>\n
Aside from some bruised bodies \u2013 and possibly a few sore heads \u2013 scrum coach John Fogarty confirmed the squad came through an intense contest relatively unscathed.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe managed to come out of what was a really physical game with a full bill of health,\u201d he said on Sunday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s medicals on now, but at this moment in time there\u2019s no obvious injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ireland saluted a phenomenal defensive effort with a lap of honour in front of tens of thousands of Irish fans in the French capital.<\/p>\n
Asked about the subsequent celebrations, Fogarty said: \u201cIt is important to make sure we\u2019re aware that that was a big win and we\u2019re obviously delighted with it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe took time with each other, enjoyed company. Nothing too mad at all.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe dressing room is generally the best craic, you\u2019re there all together, there\u2019s no outside distractions. We enjoyed that time together.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a late kick-off, we got back to the hotel around 1am so we didn\u2019t do the dog on it, but we enjoyed each other\u2019s company.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ireland backed up thumping bonus-point victories over Romania and Tonga by downing the defending champions to retain top spot in the world rankings.<\/p>\n
But reaching the knockout stages and a probable showdown with either hosts France or three-time winners New Zealand is not yet guaranteed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very proud of the result, we\u2019re very proud of the performance,\u201d continued Fogarty.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we\u2019re very, very aware that that\u2019s a pool game, we\u2019ve got Scotland next and we\u2019ve got big tests on the horizon.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got a few days with family which is so important. I can\u2019t wait to see my wife and kids. I\u2019m sick of looking at the boys at this stage!<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll certainly look at things we need to improve on but we need to get the recovery in now because Scotland are going to be coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
Back-rower Jack Conan, who suffered a foot injury in the warm-up win over Italy on August 5, versatile back Jimmy O\u2019Brien and centre Stuart McCloskey are the only members of Farrell\u2019s 33-man squad yet to feature in France.<\/p>\n
The trio are in contention to take on Scotland.<\/p>\n
\u201cJack had a brilliant week and took part in training,\u201d said Fogarty.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe\u2019ve been very, very lucky with the health of the squad.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now we look like we\u2019ll be training with a full deck when we return, which is great.\u201d<\/p>\n