Rugby fans were expecting suspense, but it was not. At the end of a one-sided match, Ireland crushed Scotland (36-14), with six tries on the clock, to reach the quarter-finals where the All-Blacks are waiting for them.
In this meeting that looked like a round of 16, where the Chardon XV could still dream of qualifying, it only took 62 seconds for winger James Lowe to score the first try and ideally start his team’s evening. Despite a Scottish highlight in the opposing 22 meters a quarter of an hour into the game, Andy Farrell’s men then accelerated and full-back Hugo Keenan is at the conclusion of a precise three-quarter move (25th). Ian Henderson then unleashed his power to forcefully flatten the line (31st). The Clover XV even drives the point home just before the break by obtaining the offensive bonus with a double from Hugo Keenan. 26 to 0 halfway, the mass was already said.
Returning from the locker room, the leading nation in world rugby continued its recital on the same standards and Dan Sheehan, placed on the wing for a long sequence, went to score his team’s fifth try (46th). Not helped by the yellow card received by Ollie Smith for an avoidable leg trip on Jonathan Sexton (42nd), the Scots conceded a sixth try through Garry Ringrose (56th), receiving a marvelous cross to the foot of replacement Jack Crowley. Well ahead in the score (36-0), the Irish relaxed somewhat at the hour mark and conceded two tries in quick succession scored by Ewan Ashman (64th) and Ali Price (36th). A burst of pride too late for Scotland which is therefore leaving through the back door.
For its part, Ireland finished first in Pool B, with four victories in as many matches, and will therefore meet New Zealand in the quarter-finals next Saturday at the Stade de France (9 p.m.). Its runner-up, South Africa, will face the Blues the next day, in the Dionysian setting.