Thaindian News

Wellington, Oct 8 (IANS) Wales stormed into the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand with a 22-10 victory over Ireland Saturday. France beat higher-ranked England 19-12 in the second quarterfinal.

The first clash for the last-eight spots featured plenty of running play in the first half, but Ireland failed to secure a lead despite breaks from the midfield through Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy and Tommy Bowe.

A try from Shane Williams put Wales on the board in the third minute after sustained pressure on the Ireland line, with Rhys Priestland making the conversion on the touchline, Xinhua reported.

However, Irish attempts to equalise were foiled by a tight Welsh defence, allowing the Dragons to eventually claim possession and Priestland punted the ball to halfway.

Ronan O’Gara failed to take three opportunities for goal kicks in the first quarter as Ireland worked for a try, but a kick for touch was squandered and Wales were able to dominate the play again.

O’Gara finally scored for Ireland in the 23rd minute, putting through his 200th test penalty after Huw Bennett joined a ruck incorrectly, making the score 7-3.

However, Leigh Halfpenny extended Wales’ lead, kicking through a goal in the 28th minute from near halfway, leaving the score at 10-3 at the interval.

Ireland equalised soon after the break when a backline move ended with Keith Earls going over on the left, despite a tackle by Mike Phillips, and O’Gara converted.

A solo run by Phillips secured Wales’ second try in the 50th minute, out-running D’Arcy and diving over in the corner, but Priestland missed the conversion.

A penalty kick by Priestland in the 58th minute hit the upright and bounce to safety.

Jonathan Davies put Wales further ahead in the 64th minute when he dodged two defenders and Priestland added the conversion for a 22-10 lead.

A knock on from Sean O’Brien in front of the Welsh line five minutes later, and Priestland again hit the upright, but Wales saw out the last seven minutes with a comfortable lead.

Wales will meet France in the semifinals Oct 15. The other quarterfinals - South Africa versus Australia and New Zealand versus Argentina - will be played Sunday.