It was nearly a perfect day for Ireland as they booked their World Cup quarter-final place with a 47-5 victory against Samoa at Fukuoka.
Joe Schmidt's side ran in XX tries, and had the bonus point wrapped up before half-time after Leinster out-half Johnny Sexton went over twice.
Captain Rory Best, and Wexford man Tadhgh Furlong got the other in that opening 40 minutes. Samoa hit back for a five pointer of their own through Jack Lam.
The second-half was dominated by the Boys in Green as Jordan Larmour, CJ Stander, and Andrew Conway added further tries.
The only downer came with the straight red-card for Bundee Aki, who hit Ulupano Seuteni with a high challenge, leaving referee Nic Berry with little option.
Next up for Ireland is a date with New Zealand or South Africa in the last eight. The fate of Japan versus Scotland, which might be cancelled due to adverse weather, will be decided this evening.
Bundee Aki sent off but Ireland have got four tries on the board already as they lead #Samoa 26-5 at half-time in their 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A match at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Japan.
— Sportsfile (@sportsfile) October 12, 2019
📸 @Sportsfilebren https://t.co/6IrOtV7BDX#IREvSAM #rugby #rugbyworldcup2019 pic.twitter.com/LM6rjvw1zv
