Yokohama (Japan) (AFP)
An iron defense, and ultradominator forwards that pile the test: Ireland swept Scotland (27-3) with the bonus Sunday in Yokohama to afford a clear horizon until the quarterfinals of the Cup world.
New Zealand - Scotland and Ireland - South Africa: The first two quarter-finals of the World Cup are theoretically known after the two group finals of the first day. Unless Japan or Samoa upset the hierarchy in Pool A.
The Shamrock XV can prepare for its rendezvous against Japan, Saturday in Shizuoka, with confidence: the stereotyped game refined since 2013 by Joe Schmidt, which allowed them to access for the first time at the head of the world rank early September, is still devilishly effective. The Scots have paid the price, unable to cross the green defensive curtain.
The only reason for concern, for Ireland, is still the same: the state of form of Johnny Sexton, regularly injured in recent months. The best player in the world 2018 had adductor treatment in the middle of the first period and then left the blame for the shot to Conor Murray. He was replaced by Jack Carty on the hour.
But Leinster's opener did not need to force. His forwards won the match - like green in the stands - alone in the first period. Back from the locker room, the sustained rain on Yokohama did not logically settle the affairs of a lighter Scottish pack.
-L? Scotland loses Watson-
The second line Iain Henderson took for a three-quarter on a breakthrough that resulted in the test of his companion "cage" James Ryan (6th). The Scots commit a penalty in Sexton's ropes? Rather than taking the points, the opener chooses the penaltouche and the ball worn by the Irish crosses the line (Rory Best, 14th).
It's still a forward, Tadgh Furlong, who flattens after an opportunistic counterattack by Andrew Conway and a quick scrum played by Murray (25th).
Perhaps annoyed at being stole the show, three-quarters of Ireland finished the job: Conway scored the test bonus (56th) on a candlestick Sexton badly received by Stuart Hogg and recovered by Jordan Larmour.
Powerless, Scotland has also lost to injury his best tackle, the flanker Hamish Watson (14 tackles in 38 minutes!), Hit a knee. Even the yellow card imposed on Tadhg Beirne (70th) did not help the XV thistle. Who will have a week to recover and recover against Samoa, Monday, September 30 in Kobe.
© 2019 AFP