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Rugby World Cup round-up: Ireland top their pool as Japan close their campaign with a win

Ireland 24 - 9 France  Battered and bruised, Ireland have sent out a serious statement of in...



Rugby World Cup round-up: Irel...
Rugby

Rugby World Cup round-up: Ireland top their pool as Japan close their campaign with a win

Ireland 24 - 9 France 

Battered and bruised, Ireland have sent out a serious statement of intent after crushing the French challenge for top spot in a fierce battle at the Millennium Stadium this evening. 

Second half tries from Rob Kearney and Conor Murray proved enough for the Boys in Green to power past a physical French side.

What made this performance so special was how it was done without key players on the pitch, with Johnny Sexton and Paul O'Connell both having to go off in the opening half, and then the outstanding Peter O'Mahony and Keith Earls in the second.

It was an incredible team performance and Ireland's intensity levels never dropped throughout the game, and it showed as they made a mockery of the French scrum in the dying stages. 

USA 18 - 28 Japan

Tires from Yoshikazu Fujita, Kotaro Matsushima, Amanaki Mafi and plenty of points from Ayumu Goromaru meant that they go home with three wins, and become the only side in World Cup history to do so. They would be justifiably upset that their fantastic performances won't see them through to the knockout stages, but they can be proud that they alerted the world to the growth of the game in one of the nations that's due to host the tournament in 2019. 

Japan's stint at the World Cup saw them break plenty of records, but a consolation try from the USA's Chris Wyles meant that he became his nation's top scorer at the tournament. Once again, skill and smart play from Japan meant that they were able to overcome the physical challenge of the US, and proved that there's a very bright future indeed for this side.

Image: Frank Augstein / AP/Press Association Images

Italy 32 - 22 Romania

Italy out muscled a gritty Romanian side to claim victory in their final game of RWC 2015, securing automatic qualification to Japan 2019 in the process. In total, there were seven tries, with Italy claiming the bonus point early in the second half before allowing the Oaks back into the game.

Italy secured third in Pool C and automatic qualification for the next World Cup in 2019. For Romania, they will have to go through the qualifying route once again but the signs are very encouraging after their performance at this year's tournament.

Argentina 64 - 19 Namibia 

Argentina finished off their Pool C fixtures in style as they dismissed minnows Namibia this afternoon, running nine tries in during the 80 minutes.

Los Pumas played an enthralling style of rugby, with an emphasis on keeping the ball alive, running from deep and a lot of interplay between backs  forwards, it led to a very entertaining game at the King Power stadium in Leicester.

Namibia ran in three tries of their own as they played without inspirational captain Jacques Burger but they did play with immense pride in the jersey and showed some flashes of brilliance. Argentina will now face Ireland in the playoffs. 

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