Talking point: Mission accomplished but few would have imagined Ireland progressing to the last eight with a defeat to Japan on the balance books. Ireland have to take another huge leap in performance levels next weekend if they are to make history and reach the semis for the first time. Aki becomes the first Irish player sent off in a World Cup and only the fourth in Ireland’s Test history. A Japan victory and the host nation will top Pool A, consigning Ireland to second place and a Saturday quarter-final against New Zealand. If Ireland finish on top, they will face South Africa in Tokyo Stadium on Sunday.

Source: Irish Examiner October 12, 2019 13:07 UTC