Analysis: I agree wholeheartedly with Eddie O'Sullivan's mantra about the performance being paramount, but, equally, now that all the ingredients are in place, Ireland must start stringing together consecutive victories over Southern Hemisphere opposition.
The brave defeat can no longer be applauded.
If the correct tactical process is employed this evening the desired outcome will follow. Ireland are a stable and experienced team so success against South Africa is the next logical step.
The most distinct improvement from last season is the strength in depth of the replacements bench. Frankie Sheahan, Malcolm O'Kelly, Paddy Wallace, Simon Easterby and Geordan Murphy are quality players who can impact a game of this intensity. They could all be required against South Africa. Bryan Young and Isaac Boss also need some quality on-field time this month.
Again, it comes back to the right process being implemented. This is O'Sullivan's primary task.
In the past we have seen Ireland use clever tactics against the Springboks. The inside pass to a blindside winger sounds simple enough but it, along with angled decoy running, is a key ploy in splitting South Africa's notorious rush defence.
Ireland must speed up the game with quick taps and, most importantly, thinking man's rugby that keeps the huge pack of opposing forwards constantly moving.
No team in world rugby can outbash the Springboks. Any attempt to do this will lead to defeat. High energy levels and aggression are required but also smart rugby, not the head-to-head stuff the visitors will seek to draw Ireland into.
As ever, the tactical kicking of Ronan O'Gara must turn South Africa on their heels. Girvan Dempsey's composure when putting boot to ball is equally important and Peter Stringer will also need to occasionally take pressure off his halfback partner with a few box kicks.
The Springbok back three are all making their international debuts so Dempsey and particularly O'Gara will be charged with giving them a nightmarish introduction to the Test arena. Some Garryowens - "welcome to Lansdowne Road on a winter's day" - should be served up as an appetiser for Messrs Fortuin, Pretorius and Steyn.
It is about simple gain line rugby. The key to beating their massive rushing machine is to turn them around. Go over them by kicking. Go through them with the maul, off loads in the tackle or around them by exposing Bryan Habana in the unfamiliar outside centre berth. Brian O'Driscoll or D'Arcy must find these gaps but equally respect that the converted winger is the fastest player on the field.
Defence is a high-priority issue. The South Africans will be up quick, with a focus on smashing O'Driscoll and cutting off the supply before the gain line is breached.
The inside ball can be used here but forcing the pass or a lack of depth will lead to errors behind the gain line. This would present an inexperienced Boks team with the confidence they desperately require in the opening exchanges.
The Australian poet AB "Banjo" Patterson wasn't referring to the Springboks when he said, "They had mighty little science, but a mighty lot of dash", but it accurately sums up their current style.
I must admit Jake White is a friend of mine - a real gentleman I hold in huge respect both as a person and a coach. His job is to ingrain the science into the team.
South Africa have gone downhill since 2004, when they were rated number one in the world. White has somehow maintained his dignity despite political interference from the government and the constant questioning of his selections.
But, it must be noted, the performance levels have dropped significantly. Two victories at the end of the Tri-Nations put some pride back in the team, and probably saved White from the guillotine, but on this tour the pace, mixed with aggression, we expect from the Springboks over the past 100 years must be revived.
Ireland must nullify the big, rumbling forwards by putting them on the deck with first-up tackles and then slow the ball down via the back row and quasi-opensides O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy.
It's essential an Irishman is first to the tackle zone (what I wouldn't give to see a genuine groundhog like Keith Gleeson in the number seven shirt for Ireland today).
Even in the absence of Os Du Randt, South Africa's scrum is a serious weapon. Big questions will be asked of Rory Best. The Irish front row can survive this stern examination if they are set very low on engagement.
Niall O'Donovan's defensive lineout must also steal or at least disrupt a significant percentage of the ball - the absence of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha leaves the Boks dipping into their reserves. Looking at the understrength tourists, opportunity most certainly knocks.
Here I must offer a note of caution. When Springbok teams are under pressure they revert to the traditions of the Boer Lager. They circle the wagons and get ready to fight to the last man.
Do not underestimate the power of the Springbok jersey top produce career-best performances from this young team. A century of tradition is not lost on the current custodians of the Springbok jersey.
Possession and territory are what it's all about.
France v New Zealand: Dress rehearsal for the World Cup final. Despite 10 changes to the New Zealand line-up, a world-class performance is expected, with all eyes on Graham Henry's selection for next weekend's second Test at the Stade De France - when he has promised to pick the strongest All Blacks team. Even the slightest French error will be ruthlessly punished. New Zealand to win a close encounter.
England v Argentina: Massive pressure on England here. Argentina are looked down upon by the leading nations, despite victory in France and drawing with the Lions in recent times, because they are not part of an international tournament.
With English confidence at such a low ebb, if the Pumas start well, maybe off a scrummaging platform, a massive upset could follow. All about England's form in the opening 20 minutes.
Italy v Australia: I expect the Wallabies to register a first away win on this gruelling tour. They were magnificent in the opening exchanges against Wales and need to maintain those levels for 80 minutes.
Daniel Vickerman and Stephen Larkham will be missed but the return of Stirling Mortlock is a bonus. Australia, traditionally struggle against Latin opposition, and will be happier in Ireland next week.
Scotland v Romania: Sadly Romanian rugby is a mere shadow of the once dynamic teams of the Ceausescu era, so Scotland should pile on the points in this warm-up for games against the Pacific Islands and Australia.
Wales v Pacific Islands: The Pacific Islands can be described in nine words: it seemed like a good idea at the time. The development of the individual nations should be embraced. The release of their European-based players should be enforced by the IRB. It's a pity a lost passport will prevent us seeing the exciting Agen winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca. Wales by a cricket score.
