Ireland on Saturday ripped apart Scotland in an impressive 36-14 win to finish top of their group at the Rugby World Cup while England survived a scare to beat Samoa by a point.
England, the only northern hemisphere team to have claimed rugby’s biggest prize, squeezed past the Pacific Islanders 18-17 in Lille thanks to a late Danny Care try.
Yet in their demolition of the Scots at the Stade de France, building on their defeat of South Africa, the Irish underlined they have what it takes to become the second world champions from the northern hemisphere.
Photo: AFP
The Irish are to face three-time champions New Zealand in the last eight on Saturday seeking to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time in their history.
James Lowe scored the first try as Ireland tore into the Scots with a devastating first-half performance.
Scotland suffered an early blow when they lost captain Jamie Ritchie following a crushing tackle.
Hugo Keenan grabbed two more tries for Ireland, either side of Iain Henderson touching down and they led 26-0 at halftime.
Dan Sheehan and Garry Ringrose completed Ireland’s six-try haul that guaranteed a bonus point.
It was only when Ireland decreased the intensity that Scotland scored two consolation tries through Ewan Ashman and Ali Price.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton said that his side had made light work of Pool B, probably the toughest of the tournament.
“We’re delighted to win the pool, and we know this is where we want to be now. We’re in the quarter-finals against the toughest opposition we could get,” Sexton said. “The way the draw was made three years ago turned out to be a bit unfair, but it’s the hand that we were dealt and we have to be ready for New Zealand next week.”
Scotland have failed to make the quarter-finals in three of the past four World Cups.
“Ireland were excellent tonight, probably the best I have ever seen them play,” Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said. “It’s the reason why they are probably one of the two favorites for the World Cup.”
England, who were already guaranteed to finish top of Pool D after three wins, opened brightly in Lille with a try by Ollie Chessum and a penalty from Owen Farrell, which took the captain past Jonny Wilkinson’s points record for England.
“What a player he is,” said England coach Steve Borthwick, whose side are likely to face Fiji in the quarter-finals.
“I know everyone is going to talk about kicking the points, but what a phenomenal player and leader,” he added.
Samoa, who have sputtered through the tournament with defeats by Japan and Argentina, sparked into life in this game, with two thrilling tries from wing Nigel Ah-Wong. Playing with real passion and power, the Samoans might have had a third try, but Duncan Paia’aua’s effort was ruled out by the television match official for a knock-on in the build-up.
In Saturday’s other game, Wales secured top spot in Pool C with a 43-19 win over Georgia.
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