PARIS: 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 squeezed past the Pacific Islanders 18-17 in Lille thanks to a late Danny Care try.

Ireland underlined they have what it takes to become the second world champions from the northern hemisphere as they demolished the Scots at Stade de France.

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.

Wales, meanwhile, secured top spot in Pool ‘C’ with a 43-19 win over Georgia.

The Welsh now play the winners of 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.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2023