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Ireland register bonus-point win over Russia at Rugby World Cup

Ireland have got their bid to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup back on track...



Ireland have got their bid to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup back on track with a bonus-point 35-0 win over Russia in Kobe. 

Joe Schmidt's side, who were looking to bounce back from a shock defeat to hosts Japan last weekend, started strongly with full-back Rob Kearney grabbing his third try in a month in the second minute.

Jordi Murphy released Kearney after a successful Irish line-out with the veteran Leinster player using Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose as decoy runners in breaking for the line.

It was Ireland's quickest ever try at the World Cup and also the fastest of this year's tournament.

Peter O'Mahony increased Ireland's advantage 12 minutes later, with the Munster flanker chasing down Sexton's grubber kick behind the Russian defence to score his second-ever international try.

O'Mahony turned provider for Ireland's third try in the 25th minute, popping the ball to Rhys Ruddock after a scrum, John Ryan helped to push Ruddock over the line under the posts.

Ulster's Jordi Murphy, who only linked up with the squad as a replacement for Jack Conan this week, was forced off with a suspected rib injury two minutes later.

Captain Johnny Sexton converted all three of the first-half tries to establish a 21-0 Irish lead at the interval before being replaced for the second-half by Jack Carty.

Ireland laboured before getting their bonus-point fourth try just after the hour with Andrew Conway running the ball in and Carty converting.

Garry Ringrose ran in a fifth Irish try four minutes from time with Carty adding the extras to hand the men in a green a crucial five points ahead of next week's final Pool game against Samoa.

Jordi Murphy, who only linked up with the squad this week, was forced off with a rib injury in the first-half.

While Joey Carbery was a late withdrawal ahead of the game.

The Munster out-half pulled up with an ankle injury at yesterday's captain's run and wasn't risked today.

But head-coach Joe Schmidt insists Johnny Sexton's substitution at half-time was for 'tactical reasons'.

Fiji went second in Pool D, behind Wales, with a bonus-point 45-10 victory against Georgia earlier today.

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