So now we know.
The Ireland quarter final question has been resolved and Joe Schmidt’s men will face a side, in the last eight, that they have beaten twice in their last three encounters.
News came through around 2am on Sunday that Scotland’s game against Japan would be going ahead. That gave Ireland one last opportunity to top Pool A, and avoid world champions New Zealand (who topped Pool B).
Ireland assured themselves of a quarter final place, on Saturday, by securing a try-scoring bonus point in their 47-5 victory over Samoa, in Fukuoka.
Japan fell 7-0 behind before responding in dramatic, thrilling style. Four unanswered tries, either side of half-time had the hosts 28-7 ahead and they looked set to comfortable top the group.
All all our new rugby overlords!! pic.twitter.com/nFW2e8hxVx
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 13, 2019
The Scots then rallied with two tries of their own and it was a one-score game heading into the final quarter.
Gregor Townsend’s men gave it their very all but it was not enough to get the job done and the game ended 28-21 to Japan.
World Cup quarter finals
Saturday, October 19 (8:15am) – England vs. Australia, Oita Stadium
Saturday, October 19 (11:15am) – New Zealand vs. Ireland, Tokyo Stadium (live on eir Sport 1 and RTE 2)
Sunday, October 20 (8:15am) – Wales vs. France, Oita Stadium
Sunday, October 20 (11:15am) – Japan vs. South Africa
With the last eight confirmed, it also gives us a glimpse of the potential semi-final that would await Joe Schmidt’s men.
Should they get past the All Blacks, Ireland would take on the winner of England and Australia.
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The latest episode sees Barry Murphy, Andrew Trimble and Jerry Flannery take on all the latest from the Rugby World Cup and the Ireland quarter final.
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