Russia manage 2 tries against Ireland at RWC

Russia have been heavily beaten by Ireland at the Rugby World Cup, as expected. Sixty-two points to 12 was the final score in Rotorua, with the Irish reclaiming top spot in Pool C.

Three tries in three minutes at the end of the first half saw the Irish lead 36-0 at the break.In the second half, though, Russia restored some pride.Two tries from Vasily Artemyev and Denis Simplikevich and a conversion from Rachkov saw them reduce the deficit to 43-12 midway through the second period.Although Ireland went on to make it 62-12 for their third win in a row, condemning the Bears to their third consecutive defeat.

“We lack experience of big tournaments like this. You just get tired at some point and lose your focus, which results in mistakes. It’s as simple as that,” Russia’s fly-half Konstantin Rachkovsaid afterwards. In the first game of the day Samoa beat Fiji 27 points to seven to put them in the runners-up spot in Group D behind South Africa.On Saturday New Zealand became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals with a convincing 37-17 win over France.The hosts went ahead through Adam Thomson, before Cory Jane ran in the second after a bursting run.A further try from Israel Dagg put the All-Blacks 19-3 ahead by the break.In the second half their domination continued. Dagg got a second try, and although France responded with one of their own through Maxime Mermoz, who intercepted, the All-Blacks had the last laugh.Sonny Bill Williams went over in the corner to complete the 37-17 win.Despite the loss, France can still reach the last eight as the second-place team in Pool A if they beat Tonga.In the other game on Saturday England took full control of Group B scoring ten tries in their 67-3 thrashing of Romania. Mark Cueto and Chris Ashton both went over three times.