Ireland ripped apart Scotland in an impressive 36-14 win to finish top of their group at the Rugby World Cup on Saturday while England survived a scare to beat Samoa by a point.
England, the ony northern hemisphere team to have claimed rugby’s biggest prize, squeezed past the Pacific Islanders 18-17 in Lille thanks to a late Danny Care try.
But in their demolition of the Scots at the Stade de France, building on their defeat of South Africa, the Irish underlined they have what it takes to become the second world champions from the northern hemisphere.
The Irish will now face three-time champions New Zealand in the last eight next Saturday seeking to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time in their history.
Ireland though will not want to dwell on their heavy defeat to the All Blacks in the quarter-finals four years ago.
James Lowe scored the first try as Ireland tore into the Scots with a devastating first-half performance.
Scotland suffered an early blow when they lost captain Jamie Ritchie following a crushing tackle.
Hugo Keenan grabbed two more tries for Ireland, either side of Iain Henderson touching down and they led 26-0 at half-time.
Dan Sheehan and Garry Ringrose completed Ireland’s six-try haul that guaranteed a bonus point.
It was only when Ireland decreased the intensity that Scotland grabbed two consolation tries through Ewan Ashman and Ali Price.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton said his side had made light work of Pool B, probably the toughest of the tournament.
“We’re delighted to win the pool and we know this is where we want to be now. We’re in the quarter-finals against the toughest opposition we could get,” Sexton said.
“The way the draw was made three years ago turned out to be a bit unfair but it’s the hand that we were dealt and we have to be ready for New Zealand next week.”
Scotland have now failed to make the quarter-finals in three of the last four World Cups.
“Ireland were excellent tonight, probably the best I have ever seen them play,” Scotland coach GregorTownsend said.
“It’s the reason why they are probably one of the two favourites for the World Cup.”
Farrell beats Wilkinson
England, who were already guaranteed to finish top of Pool D after three wins, opened brightly in Lille with a try by Ollie Chessum and a penalty from Owen Farrell, which took the captain past Jonny Wilkinson’s points record for England.
“What a player he is,” said a relieved England coach Steve Borthwick, whose side are likely to face Fiji in the quarter-finals.
“I know everyone is going to talk about kicking the points but what a phenomenal player and leader.”
Samoa, who have sputtered through the tournament with defeats by Japan and Argentina, sparked into life in this game, with two thrilling tries from wing Nigel Ah-Wong.
Playing with real passion and power, the Samoans might have had a third try but Duncan Paia’aua’s effort was ruled out by the TMO for a knock-on in the build-up.
Leading 14-8 at half-time, Samoa dominated the start of the second half, Paia’aua again denied, this time by George Ford’s cover tackle.
Lima Sopoaga stretched the lead with a penalty before England fought back.
Farrell, who passed Wilkinson’s England points record of 1,179 with his first penalty, pulled another back.
England were trailing 17-11 when replacement scrum-half Care nipped through for a try seven minutes from time.
The conversion from Farrell put the 2003 champions into the lead and they clung on for the win despite a brilliant break from Neria Fomai — tackled close to the line by 36-year-old Care.
‘Job done’ for Wales
Wales, meanwhile, secured top spot in Pool C with a 43-19 win over Georgia.
The Welsh, whose pre-tournament form barely suggested they would go on to win all four group games, now play the winners of Sunday’s showdown between Argentina and Japan in the quarter-finals in Marseille next weekend.
Victory came at a price though with emblematic No 8 Taulupe Faletau suffering a broken arm.
“It’s a big loss for us,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland who also has an anxious wait over fly-half Gareth Anscombe who injured his groin in the pre-match warm-up.
Louis Rees-Zammit scored a second-half hat-trick of tries and Sam Costelow, a last-minute stand-in for Anscombe, booted 13 points to settle Welsh nerves against a game Georgia.
“Even though we weren’t at our best, we got the job done. We’ll now focus on next weekend,” Gatland said.
