Ireland were at their clinical best as they beat Scotland 36-14 in Saint-Denis to top Pool B and justify their status as the world’s number one side.
It took just 62 seconds for the Irish to take charge, Garry Ringrose cutting through to feed winger James Lowe on the left touchline. Scotland did not panic but after turning down three kickable penalties and failing to score a point, the men in green showed them how to do it.
Swift hands and multiple runners saw full-back Hugo Keenan claim Ireland’s second try.
Losing both captain Jamie Ritchie and full-back Blair Kinghorn to injury inside the first 20 minutes did not help Scotland’s cause, but Ireland’s accuracy was more of an issue.
Another two visits to the 22 before half-time resulted in a further two scores sending Ireland into the break with a bonus point and a 26-0 lead – all despite Scotland having more possession and territory.
Ireland continued where they left off in the second half, grabbing two tries in 16 minutes. Scotland scored two tries in two minutes to give the scoreline some respectability but Ireland march on to a quarter-final against three-time winners New Zealand, while Scotland head home with South Africa taking second spot in Pool B.
