IF YOU DIDN’T make it up at 6am for Ireland’s latest RWC game, we have all you need to know from this morning’s action.
Ireland 62-12 Russia
Ireland suffered no post-Australia hangover and completed the next part of their World Cup mission with little difficulty, courtesy of a nine-try win over Russia.
Playing their third game in 11 days, Russia were torn apart, almost at will, by a rampant Irish side – with Fergus McFadden and Sean O’Brien getting early tries to get Ireland’s game plan up and running. There were also five-point scores for Isaac Boss, Keith Earls (2), Andrew Trimble, Rob Kearney, Shane Jennings and Tony Buckley with Man of the Match Ronan O’Gara adding 15 points from the boot.
What’s next: The result sends Ireland back to the top of Pool C with the crucial final clash with Italy to come.
There was heartbreak for Scotland in Pool B as Andy Robinson’s men lost out to rivals Argentina by a single point.
Penalties from Chris Paterson and Ruaridh Jackson had the Scots ahead at the break but a try from Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino proved to be the crucial difference between the sides as the men from the northern hemisphere simply couldn’t breach their opponents’ line.
Scotland even had a chance to snatch victory at the death – the Scottish pack, however, left kicker Dan Parks with little time or space to attempt a drop goal and his effort fizzled to the left and wide.
What’s next: Scotland face a showdown with England to try and claim a place in the quarter-finals.
Fiji 7-27 Samoa
Billed as a match that would show running rugby at its best, this particular Pool D clash was a disappointing encounter but one in which Samoa kept alive their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals with a hard-fought win. Tries from Kahn Fotuali’i and George Stowers confirmed the result.
What’s next: Samoa need to hope for a shock result between Wales and Namibia as they face South Africa in their final game while the Welsh have a fixture against Fiji.
Play of the Day
What is it about the Irish nation that had us all a little nervous about the game against Russia, despite having seen our boys overcome Australia last weekend? Whatever it is, a good start and some early scores were vital on Sunday morning and Isaac Boss, Ronan O’Gara and Fergus McFadden combined brilliantly to settle any early nerves. A vintage kick from O’Gara in particular.
Tweet of the Day
Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that count as England’s James Haskell points out…
Hard Yards: A look back over the best of Sunday's action
IF YOU DIDN’T make it up at 6am for Ireland’s latest RWC game, we have all you need to know from this morning’s action.
Ireland 62-12 Russia
Ireland suffered no post-Australia hangover and completed the next part of their World Cup mission with little difficulty, courtesy of a nine-try win over Russia.
Playing their third game in 11 days, Russia were torn apart, almost at will, by a rampant Irish side – with Fergus McFadden and Sean O’Brien getting early tries to get Ireland’s game plan up and running. There were also five-point scores for Isaac Boss, Keith Earls (2), Andrew Trimble, Rob Kearney, Shane Jennings and Tony Buckley with Man of the Match Ronan O’Gara adding 15 points from the boot.
What’s next: The result sends Ireland back to the top of Pool C with the crucial final clash with Italy to come.
Watch highlights of Ireland’s win here.
Argentina 13-12 Scotland
There was heartbreak for Scotland in Pool B as Andy Robinson’s men lost out to rivals Argentina by a single point.
Penalties from Chris Paterson and Ruaridh Jackson had the Scots ahead at the break but a try from Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino proved to be the crucial difference between the sides as the men from the northern hemisphere simply couldn’t breach their opponents’ line.
Scotland even had a chance to snatch victory at the death – the Scottish pack, however, left kicker Dan Parks with little time or space to attempt a drop goal and his effort fizzled to the left and wide.
What’s next: Scotland face a showdown with England to try and claim a place in the quarter-finals.
Fiji 7-27 Samoa
Billed as a match that would show running rugby at its best, this particular Pool D clash was a disappointing encounter but one in which Samoa kept alive their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals with a hard-fought win. Tries from Kahn Fotuali’i and George Stowers confirmed the result.
What’s next: Samoa need to hope for a shock result between Wales and Namibia as they face South Africa in their final game while the Welsh have a fixture against Fiji.
Play of the Day
What is it about the Irish nation that had us all a little nervous about the game against Russia, despite having seen our boys overcome Australia last weekend? Whatever it is, a good start and some early scores were vital on Sunday morning and Isaac Boss, Ronan O’Gara and Fergus McFadden combined brilliantly to settle any early nerves. A vintage kick from O’Gara in particular.
Tweet of the Day
Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that count as England’s James Haskell points out…
READ – In pictures: Ireland get the job done against Russia
READ – Simon Hick’s View from the Frontline: a case of try, try again
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