New Zealand 8 - France 7

**

New Zealand claim the World Cup!

Tony Woodcock of the All Blacks breaks clear to score the opening try during the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup Final match between France and New Zealand at Eden Park on October 23, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 22, 2011 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Tony Woodcock of the All Blacks breaks to score

( October 22, 2011 - Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Imanol Harinordoquy of France (C) is tackled by Ma'a Nonu (L) and Richie McCaw (R) of the All Blacks

( October 22, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Lionel Nallet of France wins the line out ball 

( October 22, 2011 - Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Richie McCaw of the All Blacks goes in for the tackle on Imanol Harinordoquy of France

( October 22, 2011 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Damien Traille of France is tackled by Brad Thorn of the All Blacks 

( October 22, 2011 - Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Brad Thorn of the All Blacks celebrates after an 8-7 victory in the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup Final match between France and New Zealand at Eden Park on October 23, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 22, 2011 - Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Captain Richie McCaw of the All Blacks lifts the Webb Ellis Cup after the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup Final match between France and New Zealand at Eden Park on October 23, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 22, 2011 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**

It was not as convincing as many fans expected but the All Blacks held on to claim an 8-7 success over France and with it their second World Cup crown.

Man of the match: Yet another towering performance from Imanol Harinordoquy has gone into the locker of the Biarritz stalwart. The number eight proved once again he is a must in this French line-up as he foiled several home line-outs, ran well in open play and also had a good night in close quarters. However, along with Thierry Dusautoir, Richie McCaw put in captain's performance on Sunday and was colossal at the breakdown. Big game effort.

Moment of the match: It had looked like France were going to upset New Zealand in 1999, 2007 and now 2011 when Francois Trinh-Duc lined up a long-range penalty attempt with only a quarter of the game remaining. The replacement fly-half did not get hold of his attempt though and that proved the difference between the two when it came down to it.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7260727,00.html

****



Bronze Final : Australia v Wales

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Australia take home the bronze

James Horwill of the Wallabies charges forward during the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup bronze final match between Wales and Australia at Eden Park on October 21, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 20, 2011 - Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**

Australia ended their World Cup campaign in third place after getting the better of Wales 21-18 in Friday's battle for bronze at Eden Park.

Both sides crossed the whitewash twice, with Wales bagging a consolation second try on full-time to end the match - but not the tournament - on a high note.

The two teams held nothing back, and went at it hammer and tongs from the kick-off in what was a fast and furious third place play-off encounter that left bodies battered and bruised.

 

 

Wing James O'Connor of the Wallabies is tackled by Toby Faletau of Wales during the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup bronze final match between Wales and Australia at Eden Park on October 21, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(October 20, 2011 - Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**

Man of the match: For Wales, number eight Ryan Jones was simply superb, whilst James O'Connor was a threat throughout for the Wallabies. But Berrick Barnes delivered a masterly performance after moving from inside centre to fly-half and is deservedly our man of the match.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7255747,00.html

***

 

Radike Samo of the Wallabies tackles George North of Wales during the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup bronze final match between Wales and Australia at Eden Park on October 21, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(October 20, 2011 - Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Barnes steps up as Australia claim bronze

 A reshuffled Australia backline expertly overcame the shock of losing full back Kurtley Beale and fly half Quade Cooper to injury and led their team to a 21-18 win in the Bronze Final.
Taking centre stage in a composed effort at Eden Park on Friday was Berrick Barnes, who has spent most of Australia’s World Cup campaign on the bench.
With Cooper hobbling off with a serious knee injury in the 22nd minute, the inside centre suddenly found himself at the helm of the Wallabies back line and turned in a man-of-the-match performance that included a try, timely drop goal and an array of deft kicks for field position.
Despite the disruption, the Wallabies enjoyed a majority of field position courtesy of a thoughtful kicking game that constantly sent Wales scurrying back into their 22.
Most noticeable was the absence of the midfield high balls that undermined their efforts against New Zealand in last week’s semi-final.
However, the strategy of kicking deep meant the Wallabies were forced to spend 60 per cent of the match in defence and racked up 146 tackles to the 74 that were made by Wales.
Yet the Australians displayed the dogged determination without the ball that got them through their quarter-final against South Africa.
read the whole thing here with match video:

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/matches/match=11234/analysis.html#barnes+steps+australia+claim+bronze

**

 

Jonathan Davies of Wales is tackled by David Pocock and Berrick Barnes of Australia during the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup bronze final match between Wales and Australia at Eden Park on October 21, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. 

(October 20, 2011 - Photo by Gallo Images/Getty Images AsiaPac)

****



Semi-Finals : Australia v New Zealand

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All Blacks march into World Cup Final

Richie McCaw of the All Blacks tries to drive the ball forward despite the challenge of Radike Samo (L) of the Wallabies during semi final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on October 16, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 15, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
New Zealand are just 80 minutes away from possible Rugby World Cup glory after booking their place in the final with a convincing 20-6 victory over Australia at Eden Park on Sunday.
New Zealand led 14-6 at half-time thanks to a try from centre Ma'a Nonu, created by a brilliant run and offload by full-back Israel Dagg. And further points from Piri Weepu provided the cement.
Man of the match: New Zealand's forwards were dominant from minute one but it was the cutting edge that Israel Dagg brought from full-back that sees him wrestle this award from one of his pack. Dagg was a calming presence when Australia kicked long, sending fine returns into touch while also combining those with the mesmeric step that has been thrilling Crusaders fans all year. Mils Muliaina leaves his fifteen jersey in very good hands.
Moment of the match: The All Blacks came out of the blocks firing and when Ma'a Nonu crossed with just six minutes gone, they were well on their way to a first final in 16 years.
Villain of the match: You know him, New Zealand loves to dislike him. Quade Cooper played the villain for those wearing black in the stands. Not his best night in Gold.
read the whole thing here:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7244987,00.html
**

Israel Dagg of the All Blacks (L) evades the tackle of Rocky Elsom of the Wallabies during semi final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on October 16, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 15, 2011 - Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Rugby World Cup semifinal: All Blacks squeeze life out of Wallabies
By Patrick McKendry
The All Blacks were guilty of choking tonight all right. They slowly squeezed the life out of the Wallabies in an intense and thrilling World Cup semi-final at Eden Park to win 20-6 and thoroughly earn the right to face France in the final in seven days.
The showpiece represents the full circle for the All Blacks and Richie McCaw's men will be licking their lips at the prospect of a repeat of the 1987 clash at the same stadium.
Tonight's victory was built on accuracy, aggression and discipline.
The home side had an important mental advantage given the Aussies haven't won at Eden Park since 1986 but, as the men in black have shown, anything can happen in World Cups and the Wallabies were two from two against New Zealand in the tournament's history.
The collateral damage was there for everyone to see - blood streaming from Wallabies faces and prop Sekope Kepu, who had been troubled by an ankle injury in the lead-up to the match, going off in the first half.
In the end they were more clinical than the Aussies despite the immense pressure and expectation in front of a crowd of 60,087.

Richie McCaw of the All Blacks is tackled by Radike Samo (L) Ben Alexander (R) of the Wallabies during semi final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on October 16, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 15, 2011 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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They controlled possession through their excellent set pieces and breakdown work. David Pocock hardly got a look in.
Brad Thorn was celebrating with 71 minutes on the clock. The reason - yet another damaging All Blacks scrum which earned a penalty kicked by Piri Weepu and pushed the score to a safe 20-6 margin.
read the whole thing here:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby-world-cup-2011/news/article.cfm?c_id=522&objectid=10759478
**

Quade Cooper of the Wallabies is tackled by Brad Thorn of the All Blacks during semi final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on October 16, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 15, 2011 - Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Awesome All Blacks power to 1987 rematch
 The chance to repeat history awaits the All Blacks following their dominant 20-6 semi-final victory over Australia at Eden Park on Sunday night.
A try by centre Ma’a Nonu, four penalties by Piri Weepu and a cool drop goal from Aaron Cruden secured New Zealand a place in the Rugby World Cup 2011 final against France, the team they beat the last time they lifted the Webb Ellis Cup, in 1987.match page with game video:
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/matches/match=11232/analysis.html#awesome+all+blacks+power+1987+rematch
***

Wing Cory Jane of the All Blacks poses with the Mastercard Man of The Match award following his team's 20-6 victory during semi final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on October 16, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 15, 2011 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
next test:
Bronze Final
10-21
Australia v Wales
Auckland
*
RWC Final
10-23
New Zealand v France
Auckland
****

Semi-Finals : Wales v France

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France 9 - Wales 8

Alun Wyn Jones of Wales and Imanol Harinordoquy of France compete for lineout ball during semi final one of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between Wales and France at Eden Park on October 15, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 14, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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France edge fourteen-man Wales
France booked their place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final with a 9-8 win over Wales at Eden Park on Saturday.
Did they deserve it for the way they played against fourteen men? No. But that is rugby as Wales bow out following what was a superb tournament.
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Sam Warburton of Wales up ends Vincent Clerc of France during semi final one of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between Wales and France at Eden Park on October 15, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 14, 2011 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
Sam Warburton was the man shown red for a dangerous tackle after just 18 minutes but that didn't stop Wales from scoring the only try of the game, through Mike Phillips on the hour mark.
But it wasn't enough in the end as three Morgan Parra penalties ultimately trumped a solitary three-pointer from James Hook and that try.
A repeat of the 1987 final is almost complete.
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Mike Phillips of Wales dispatches the ball during semi final one of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between Wales and France at Eden Park on October 15, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 14, 2011 - Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
Man of the match: All fourteen Welsh players on the field. They played with their hearts on their sleeves for their country and were desperately unlucky not to be in next week's final.
Moment of the match: Simple; the red card for Sam Warburton.
*
Villain of the match: A quick decision from match referee Alain Rolland pretty much sealed the fate of Wales. If he had of taken time to talk to his touch-judges Wayne Barnes and Jonathan Kaplan then maybe the game might not have been soured.
read the whole thing here:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7242367,00.html
**

Imanol Harinordoquy of France jumps for a high ball with Leigh Halfpenny of Wales during semi final one of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between Wales and France at Eden Park on October 15, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 14, 2011 - Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Parra punishes 14-man Wales
Wales, despite having captain Sam Warburton sent off in the 18th minute, were in sight of the winning points with the clock running down. France were forced to defend in their own half for 27 phases without giving their desperate opponents the chance to sneak through.
Wales were repeatedly driven back in the tackle, their kickers were pushed out of drop-goal range and their hopes of a remarkable comeback were snuffed out.
match page here: with video:
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/matches/match=11231/analysis.html#parra+punishes+wales
**

William Servat of France makes a run but is tackled by Toby Faletau of Wales during semi final one of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between Wales and France at Eden Park on October 15, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 14, 2011 - Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
next test:
3rd Place Play-Off
10-21
Wales
Auckland
*
Rugby World Cup Final
10-23
France
Eden Park
Auckland
****

Quarter Finals : New Zealand v Argentina

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All Blacks grind past Pumas

Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks is tackled by Santiago Fernandez of Argentina during quarter final four of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Argentina at Eden Park on October 9, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 8, 2011 - Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**

New Zealand were made to work very hard but got the job done by beating Argentina 33-10 on Sunday to advance to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
The All Blacks were far from their best but teams seldom are in knockout rugby. What may be a concern to them though was the loss of Colin Slade to injury. Dan Carter's fly-half replacement left the field during the first stanza with a leg injury, being replaced by third-choice Aaron Cruden.
It was a scrum-half who stole the headlines though at Eden Park as Piri Weepu kicked 21 points, missing just one attempt on the night.
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In 1987, these two battled to a 46-15 scoreline in favour of the All Blacks. However, any sort of a repeat was always going to be unlikely with times markedly different in 2011. So much so that, despite an almost try from number eight Kieran Read in the left corner, Argentina were more than standing steady going into the second quarter. Only a couple of set-piece offences proved their downfall as again Weepu was successful, this time on 25 minutes.
Man of the match: A near faultless kicking display from Piri Weepu sees him take the award. He marshalled well from the base and seems to have secured the nine jersey.
*
Moment of the match: It was tit for tat for long periods at Eden Park before Kieran Read put the game to bed with a try wide out. Argentina had a mountain to climb after that score.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7231972,00.html
**

Piri Weepu of the All Blacks takes on the Argentina defence during quarter final four of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Argentina at Eden Park on October 9, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 8, 2011 - Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Weepu proves lethal with the boot

Piri Weepu pulled on his shooting boots to kick New Zealand to victory over Argentina and seal a place in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
Weepu was the star performer of the match at Eden Park, slotting seven penalties for a 100 per cent success rate that set a RWC 2011 record.
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Second-half tries by Kieran Read and veteran Brad Thorn cemented a 33-10 win for the All Blacks to set up a last-four showdown with Australia next week and the success commemorated full back Mils Muliaina's 100th Test match.
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A menacing rendition of their Kapa o Pango haka made the All Blacks’ intent clear but it was not the most polished of starts from the number one team in the world.
Argentina’s defence continued to hold firm, managing to deny the All Blacks any points for 10 minutes as they played a man down after scrum half Nicolás Vergallo’s trip to the sin bin.
But with a final tally of 134 tackles compared with New Zealand’s 54, the Pumas started to tire towards the end. That enabled Read to break through to score the All Blacks’ first try and bring most of the 57,912, black-clad fans to their feet.
match page with video:
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/matches/match=11230/analysis.html#weepu+proves+lethal+with+boot
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Keven Mealamu of the All Blacks takes on Juan Manuel Leguizamon of Argentina during quarter final four of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Argentina at Eden Park on October 9, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 8, 2011 - Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
next test:
Semi-Finals
10-16
New Zealand v Australia
Auckland
****

Quarter Finals : Australia v South Africa

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Wallabies send defending champs home

A general view of a srummage during quarter final three of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between South Africa and Australia at Wellington Regional Stadium on October 9, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.

( October 8, 2011 - Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
Despite being under the cosh for most of the game, Australia held on to beat South Africa 11-9 in a thrilling World Cup quarter-final in Wellington on Sunday.
The Wallabies scored the only try of the game but needed a late James O'Connor penalty to scrape past the dominant Springboks.
The defending champions made most of the running but failed to convert their chances into points and Australia held a 8-3 advantage when the teams swapped ends.
*
Credit to the Wallaby defence though for holding wave after wave of attack at bay.
Man of the match: The thorn in the Springboks' side from start to finish, David Pocock lived up to his billing as a game breaker. Crucial turnovers at crucial times - that's what they call big match temperament.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7231950,00.html
**

Pierre Spies of South Africa (C) is tackled by James O'Connor (L) and Rocky Elsom of Australia during quarter final three of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between South Africa and Australia at Wellington Regional Stadium on October 9, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.

( October 8, 2011 - Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
Pocock at the heart of Wallabies win
Australia somehow turned a spluttering lineout, an embattled scrum and minimal territory into an 11-9 win over South Africa and a place in the semi-finals of Rugby World Cup 2011.
When referee Bryce Lawrence blew for full-time the Wallabies had their error-forcing defence and especially man-of-the-match David Pocock to thank for dethroning the defending champions. The flanker's heroic work at the breakdown saved them time after time when South Africa were on the attack.
The Australians were forced to make 147 tackles to South Africa's 53 as the Springboks sent wave after wave of big, powerful runners at their line.
Aside from Pocock's crucial turnovers, South Africa were hampered by making too many mistakes in potential try-scoring situations under defensive pressure and will rue their 11 handling errors in the match. They also missed their main breakdown warrior, Heinrich Brüssow, who came off after 20 minutes.
match page with video:
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/matches/match=11229/analysis.html#pocock+heart+wallabies
**

James Horwill of Australia goes over the line to score their first try during quarter final three of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between South Africa and Australia at Wellington Regional Stadium on October 9, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.

( October 8, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
next test:
Semi-Finals
10-16
Australia v New Zealand
Auckland
****

Quarter Finals : France v England

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French renaissance ends England

Julien Bonnaire of France is tackled by Toby Flood of England during quarter final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between England and France at Eden Park on October 8, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 7, 2011 - Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
France bounced back from last week's humiliation to stun England at Eden Park, winning 19-12 to advance to the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
England were second best as they could not make it three finals in a row, while les Bleus deservedly march on to face Wales next week.
First-half tries from Vincent Clerc and Maxime Medard ultimately gave France a 16-0 cushion that England could not claw their way back from.
Man of the match: Plenty of heart was shown by France - even when the going was tough - and no one epitomised that more than Julien Bonnaire. The flank tackled all night for his country, putting in key hits to halt England gaining any sustainable momentum.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7230414,00.html
**

Thierry Dusautoir of France tries to find his way through the England defense during quarter final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between England and France at Eden Park on October 8, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 7, 2011 - Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
France secure semi spot with flair and power
 Imanol Harinordoquy gave a barnstorming display to earn the man-of-the-match award as France reached the Rugby World Cup semi-finals with a 19-12 win against England on Saturday.
Les Bleus avoided a third straight RWC loss to England with a classic performance that married France's twin traditions of backline flair and forward power.
Number 8 Harinordoquy and back-row colleagues Thierry Dusautoir and Julien Bonnaire bossed their English counterparts and gave creative players Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood a torrid time.
This dominance ensured England were unable to gain a toehold in the match until it was too late.
It was England’s lack of discipline that allowed France to build the platform on which they secured their half-time lead.
In only his third match at fly half for Les Bleus, Morgan Parra pulled the strings to great effect and played a hand in both of his side's tries.
The result made a mockery of claims the French were a side riddled with divisions and in disarray after losing heavily to New Zealand and surprisingly to Tonga in their final two pool matches.
with game video:
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/matches/match=11228/analysis.html#france+secure+semi+spot+with+flair+power
**

Toby Flood of England is tackled by Pascal Pape (top) and Jean-Baptiste Poux of France and during quarter final two of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between England and France at Eden Park on October 8, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( October 7, 2011 - Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
next test:
Semi-Finals
10-15
France v Wales
Auckland
****

Quarter Finals : Wales v Ireland

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Wales march on to Auckland

Stephen Ferris of Ireland is tackled by the Welsh defense during quarter final one of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between Ireland v Wales at Wellington Regional Stadium on October 8, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.

( October 7, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
Wales broke Irish hearts after booking their place in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals thanks to a 22-10 victory in Wellington on Saturday.
In what was a breathless encounter in the New Zealand capital, the Welsh outscored Ireland by three tries to one to seal a semi-final spot on rugby's biggest stage for the first time since 1987.
It was tough to predict a winner before the start of this quarter-final, but it was clear from the kick-off which team would be marching on to Auckland and who would be heading home in arguably the game of the tournament.
It was simple: Wales took their chances, Ireland did not.
Outstanding defence from the Welsh also paved the way to victory with Luke Charteris and talismanic Sam Warburton immense in the tackle - frustrating the Irish as a solid red wall kept them out.
Man of the match: Wales captain Sam Warburton excelled in the loose and centre Jamie Roberts stood out as a midfield battering ram, but we felt Leigh Halfpenny had a blinder at full-back for the Welsh. Cool, calm and collected - Halfpenny was simply sublime.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7230381,00.html
**

Donncha Ryan of Ireland is hauled down by Bradley Davies of Wales during quarter final one of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between Ireland v Wales at Wellington Regional Stadium on October 8, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.

( October 7, 2011 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
Fearless Wales repel Irish battering
Wales's three tries to Ireland's one was a true reflection of the attacking abilities of the two sides, although not of Ireland's first-half dominance of territory and possession at Wellington Regional Stadium.
Three times they shunned early penalty shots at goal to look for tries, but Wales were equal to them.
Ireland had 60 per cent of the territory and 57 per cent of possession in the first half but their bludgeoning and battering of the Wales defence produced a solitary penalty goal after Wales had opened the match with a spectacular Shane Williams winger's try.
Ireland drew level early in the second half when wing Keith Earls somehow managed to keep his feet in play while sliding over in the corner.
But the match turned Wales's way when man-of-the-match Mike Phillips caught Ireland napping down the blindside of a ruck - a trademark of the France-based scrum half's play.
When Wales outside centre Jonathan Davies scored by first eluding some tiring forwards in front of him and then clapping on the pace to outstrip the cover defence, the match - and a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 1987 - was theirs.
*
Wales had to make 141 tackles in the match and missed only 11, while Ireland made 93 but missed 14. Ireland's lineout also faltered at crucial times, losing three on their own throw.
A majority of the crowd of 35,787 were solidly behind Ireland, but their support was not enough to stave off a fifth defeat in five quarter-final appearances at Rugby World Cups.
with game video:
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/matches/match=11227/analysis.html#fearless+wales+repel+irish+battering
**

Alun Wyn Jones (L) and Luke Charteris of Wales tackle Ronan O'Gara of Ireland during quarter final one of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between Ireland v Wales at Wellington Regional Stadium on October 8, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.

( October 7, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**
next test:
Semi-Finals
10-15
Wales v France
Auckland
****

**

Player of Pool A: Richard Kahui

Richard Kahui of the All Blacks tries to find a way through the France defense during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and France at Eden Park on September 24, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( September 23, 2011 - Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**

 Richard Kahui might not yet have the same profile as All Blacks superstars Richie McCaw, Dan Carter or even relative newcomer Sonny Bill Williams, but the New Zealand wing has more than made his mark during the opening stages of Rugby World Cup 2011
With just 12 Test caps to his name at the start of the tournament, Kahui quickly staked his claim for a regular place in the All Blacks starting XV. 
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2057069.html#player+pool+a+richard+kahui
**

Player of Pool B: Juan Figallo

(L-R) The Argentina front row of Juan Figallo, Mario Ledesma and Rodrigo Roncero prepare to scrummage during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Argentina and Scotland at Wellington Regional Stadium on September 25, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.
( September 24, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Legendary Scotland and Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan referred to key players as “Test match animals” - those who grow under pressure, rather than go into their shells when the heat is on.
In a tight Pool B, the claims for player of the pool were less about hat-tricks and more about coolness in the close encounters.
The player of pool B was Juan Figallo. The prop came into the World Cup with only four caps but has become the mainstay of a side whose game plan is so dependent on the set piece. A Puma who is truly a Test match animal.
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2057025.html#player+pool+b+juan+figallo
**

Player of Pool C: Ireland's Sean O'Brien

Radike Samo of the Wallabies (L) tackles Sean O'Brien of Ireland during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Australia and Ireland at Eden Park on September 17, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

( September 16, 2011 - Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**

The player-of-pool-C award goes to 24-year-old flanker Sean O'Brien, the European player of the year. Despite performing in the unfamiliar openside position, he has been a rampaging ball of destruction in his first Rugby World Cup, whether in attack or defence, and looks set to enhance his reputation as the last eight teams standing do battle in the knockout stage.

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2057045.html#player+pool+c+irelands+sean+obrien
**

Player of Pool D: Sam Warburton

Sam Warburton of Wales breaks with the ball during the IRB Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Wales and Fiji at Waikato Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Hamilton, New Zealand.

( October 1, 2011 - Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)

**

 In a tight field, the standout performer given the demands of his position and the demands of captaining his side at the age of 22 (23 come Wednesday, 5 October ) is Wales flanker Sam Warburton, the youngest captain at RWC 2011.

The openside flanker came into the tournament with big wraps from his coach, New Zealander Warren Gatland, who would have seen some decent No.7s in his time.

“There are three that I’d consider world-class players at the moment in (David) Pocock (Australia), (Richie) McCaw (New Zealand) and (Heinrich) Brüssow (South Africa) and I’d rate the guy next to me (Sam Warburton) in that category," Gatland told a press conference before the opening pool match against South Africa where Warburton was man-of-the-match in a losing side for his impressive work at the breakdown. 
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2057124.html#player+pool+d+sam+warburton
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World Cup quarter-finals confirmed

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Ireland's victory over Italy on Sunday brought an end to the pool phases of the World Cup and set up four intriguing quarter-finals.

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2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals:

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Saturday October 8:

Ireland v Wales at Wellington Regional Stadium.

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England v France at Eden Park, Auckland

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Sunday October 9:

South Africa v Australia at Wellington Regional Stadium.

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New Zealand v Argentina at Eden Park, Auckland

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Pool C - Ireland v Italy

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Italy sent packing by solid Ireland

The Ireland and Italy forwards pack down for a scrum during the IRB Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Ireland and Italy at Dunedin Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

( October 1, 2011 - Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Ireland created a mouth-watering quarter-final date with Wales next week after overcoming Italy 36-6 at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Sunday.
There was little to separate the two nations at the break with three Ronan O'Gara penalties edging Mirco Bergamasco's two. But after their rest, the Irish stepped up through the gears in Dunedin.
Scores from Brian O'Driscoll and Keith Earls sealed the victory and with it, Italy's tournament in New Zealand came to a premature conclusion
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Man of the match: He just continues to get better and better in a green jersey. Sean O'Brien was again immense for Ireland in what is shaping up to be a lethal weapon of a back-row.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7217405,00.html
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Sean O'Brien of Ireland (C) is tackled by Salvatore Perugini (L) and Tommaso Benvenuti of Italy during the IRB Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Ireland and Italy at Dunedin Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

( October 1, 2011 - Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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next test:
10-8
Ireland v Wales
Wellington
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Ireland finishes 4-0
Italy finishes 2-2
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