New Zealand 48-10 Ireland: Kiwis reach World Cup quarter-finals after topping group

Drew Darbyshire
Jahrome Hughes New Zealand PA

New Zealand have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup by topping Group 3 after easing past Ireland 48-10 at Headingley.

The Kiwis have won comfortably their group games against Lebanon, Jamaica and Ireland. They will face the runner-up of Group B in the quarter-finals, which is likely to be Fiji.

Ireland’s defeat to New Zealand all but confirms their elimination from the tournament. Ged Corcoran’s side won their opener against Jamaica but have since lost to Lebanon and New Zealand.

The Wolfhounds took the lead in the game thanks to a penalty goal from Ed Chamberlain early doors.

But New Zealand scored the game’s first try in the 15th minute through half-back Jahrome Hughes, with Jordan Rapana going over shortly after.

Louis Senior pulled one back for Ireland on the half hour mark through an intercept effort from Louis Senior.

New Zealand were in control for the majority of the first half. They posted further tries through Hiku and winger Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Kiwi prop Jared Warea-Hargreaves was isn-binned just before half-time for a high shot on Dan Norman. The Irish debutant failed a head injury assessment following the collision.

New Zealand went into the break with a comfortable 24-6 lead.

New Zealand comfortable at the break

Michael Maguire’s side started the second half in strong fashion, with Rapana getting his second just after the restart.

Ireland lost another player to a failed head assessment in the shape of debutant Henry O’Kane.

The Kiwis were again in complete control in the second half as James Fisher-Harris, Hughes and Kenny Bromwich scored before the hour mark to make the score 44-6.

Ireland winger Louis Senior got his second of the night when he pounced on a mistake from Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Manu scored late on to wrap up an impressive 48-10 win for the Kiwis in front of more than 14,000 at Headingley.

New Zealand: Manu; Rapana, Hiku, Nikora, Mulitalo; Brown, Hughes; J Bromwich, Smith, Fisher-Harris, K Bromwich, Asofa-Solomona, Tapine. Subs: Papali’i, Foran, Waerea-Hargreaves, Liu. 18th man: Nicoll-Klokstad.

Tries: Hughes (2), Rapana (2), Hiku (2), Mulitalo, Fisher-Harris, K Bromwich, Manu Goals: Rapana 2, Brown 2

Ireland: Myler; L Senior, Chamberlain, T King, I Senior; Keary, Keyes; Hasson, Cook, G King, Bentley, Halton, Michael. Subs: O’Hagan, Rushton, Norman, O’Kane. 18th man: McDonell.

Tries: L Senior (2) Goals: Chamberlain

Attendance: 14,044

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