Andy Farrell’s men dotted down for six tries to top Pool B, as they dismantled Scotland in the Stade de France.
Ireland picked up an important victory in their final group game of the Rugby World Cup to set up a quarter-final meeting with New Zealand. Andy Farrell’s men dotted down for six tries to top Pool B, as they dismantled Scotland in the Stade de France.
It took just one minute for the Irish to breach the Scotland defence, as Garry Ringrose spotted a gap and broke through, laying off to Mack Hansen who sent James Lowe over for their first try of the evening.
Johnny Sexton stepped up to attempt the conversion from a tough angle, but his effort drifted wide to leave Ireland with just the five point advantage.
Despite the blistering Irish start, Scotland were resolute in defence, and Farrell’s men would not get in again until the 25th minute when Hugo Keenan crashed over for his first of the evening.
Iain Henderson and Keenan touched down before half-time, with Sexton successful in conversion to give Ireland a 26-0 lead at the break.
Dan Sheehan was first to go over for Ireland in the second-half, before Garry Ringrose secured Ireland’s sixth try of the evening.
With Ireland holding a 36-0 lead heading into the final 20 minutes, Scotland finally showed some attacking prowess, as replacement Ewan Ashman broke through for their opening try.
Moments later Ali Price was in for the Scots’ second try, as they restored some pride to the scoreboard.
The game ended 36-14, and Ireland confirmed their quarter-final showdown with New Zealand.