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'We didn't do the dog on it' - No immediate injury concerns as Ireland savour victory over Springboks

Josh van der Flier carried on in Paris after an early knock
Josh van der Flier carried on in Paris after an early knock

Ireland have no immediate injury concerns following last night's World Cup win over South Africa.

Josh van der Flier needed attention early in the 13-8 victory for what looked like a hand injury but scrum coach John Fogarty issued a positive initial medical bulletin to reporters on Sunday morning.

"Josh is good, there's no obvious injuries at the moment. We managed to come out of what was a real physical game with a clean bill of health," he told RTÉ Sport.

"There's medicals today, right now at 10am. We'll see what comes out of that but at this moment in time there's no obvious injuries."

Number 8 Jack Conan, who hasn't featured in the last five games due to a foot injury should be in line to play some role in Ireland's next match, against Scotland in two weeks' time.

"Jack had a brilliant week. All going well [he'll] take part in full training when they come back. We've been very lucky with the health of the squad and all returning players will be managed. Right now we look like we'll be training with a full deck when we come back."

While the Ireland camp are all about getting the job done, many players and coaches have spoken about the importance of savouring the good times.

With a few days off and 13 days until their next fixture, the players were able to relax.

""It is important, isn't it," said Fogarty about embracing the win.

"To make sure we're aware that that was a big win and we're obviously delighted with it.

"We took time with each other, enjoyed company. Nothing too mad at all.

"The dressing-room is generally the best craic, you're there together and there's no outside distractions.

"There's a few moments there where I made it around to all the front-rows and discussed who they played against, how they got on.

"We enjoyed that time together in the dressing-room.

"It's a late kick-off, we got back to the hotel around 1am so we didn't do the dog on it, but we enjoyed each other's company."

Gregor Townsend's Scotland take on Tonga later on today, a match that will be eagerly watched Andy Farrell and his men. Defeat or a draw for the Scots would mean Ireland are guaranteed a place in the knock-outs.

"We didn't talk too much about the next game," added Fogarty.

"We took the time, families are over at the moment, there are wives and kids around, it's nice to be able to relax with them a little bit and also enjoy each other's company.

"But we're very clear on Scotland, they've improved year on year and they play today, they'll play Romania next week and they'll be looking to get a win.

"Looking at their forwards and at them across the pitch, it's always a challenge to play against them.

"They're a little bit unpredictable in their back line but they've got a gnarly pack, so for us I know we'll take our break now but we'll get to that next week, we'll start planning and preparing for Scotland."

On an alleged stamp by Ox Nche on Van der Flier, Fogarty said he didn't see it but was confident that World Rugby will act if necessary.

"On a stamping? I wasn't aware of a stamping. I’m not aware if there was a stamping on not," he said.

"I’m sure World Rugby will be looking across everything, referees will be looking across everything

"At the moment in time, I’m sure there is [a mechanism] if we needed to. I haven’t heard anything from our end. The disciplinary board will look at it. I’m sure World Rugby are all over those bits."