Wales march into semis with win over Ireland

Wales captain Sam Warburton praised his team's defence after their 22-10 triumph over Ireland in Rugby World Cup 2011's first quarter-final.

After a game of passion and skill at Wellington Regional Stadium, Warburton said: "It was a massive defensive effort from one to 15.

"We always say we don't start games good enough. We started the game perfectly today.

"It was just what we wanted. It's a lot easier to stay ahead of the game than to chase it."

The Welsh scored three tries to one, but it was their defence which was the crucial difference between the sides.

Ireland enjoyed territorial advantage in the first half, but their return of just one Ronan O'Gara penalty was scant reward. And this was due to the miserly Welsh defence.

Brian O'Driscoll, the captain of Ireland, said his team had been outplayed in the second spell.

Worthy winners

"They scored two good tries and we had a bit of weak defence and we're disappointed to be going home," he said.

"It was a great opportunity for us winning the group (Pool C), but they showed they are worthy semi-finalists and good luck to them.

"We needed to deliver a performance similar to the one against Australia (15-6) or the one against Italy last week (36-6). We didn't do that today. We knocked on the ball too much."

The Welsh led 10-3 at half-time through a try by Shane Williams, converted by Rhys Priestland, and a long penalty from Leigh Halfpenny.

The Irish drew level soon after the break when a messy but effective backline move put Keith Earls over wide on the left, despite a valiant tackle by Mike Phillips.

The video referee ruled positively for Ireland, O'Gara converted and Ireland were in the ascendency.

Hit the upright twice

But Phillips scored Wales' second try in the 50th minute with a fine solo effort, beating Gordon D'Arcy and diving over in the corner. The video referee was again called on before Priestland missed the conversion.

Priestland saw a 58th-minute penalty attempt swerve away late, hit the upright and bounce to safety.

But Wales went further ahead in the 64th minute when Jonathan Davies cut inside two defenders and Priestland added the conversion for the 22-10 lead, which lasted until the end.

Five minutes later Sean O'Brien knocked on in front of the Welsh line as Ireland attempted to get back into the match.

With seven minutes left Priestland hit the upright for the second time, but Wales were well in command. They will now take part in their first RWC semi-final since the inaugural tournament in 1987.

This match was a storming affair from the first minute, with Ireland playing with the wind in the first half and dominating in everything but the score.

Excellent Welsh defence

Williams opened the scoring in the third minute after the early part of the match was marked by relentless pressure on the Ireland line. The great start from the Welsh was accentuated by a superb touchline conversion from Priestland.

Unlike the Welsh, who easily beat the Irish defence for Williams' early try, similar chances for the Irish at the other end were foiled by some excellent defence.

The Irish desire to score an equalising try saw O'Gara spurn relatively easy kicks for goal on three occasions in the first quarter.

But in the 23rd minute O'Gara decided to go for goal from right in front, after Huw Bennett was penalised for joining a ruck incorrectly.

O'Gara scored his 200th Test penalty to make the score 7-3, before Halfpenny gave Wales the seven-point cushion at the break.