IRELAND
By SAM JACKSON

Fine send off: Rob Kearney scores for Ireland as they beat Wales in Dublin

POOL A
IRELAND moved to the top of the world rankings for the first time with victory over Wales in Dublin last Saturday and only once has the World Cup been won by a side not occupying the No1 spot.
That was in 2007 when South Africa triumphed over England in the final.
Ireland, however, have never won a knockout match in the tournament’s history and, despite back-to-back wins over Wales, they were ruthlessly torn apart by England at Twickenham the week before the first match.
That ...