Rugby World Cup: Ireland sad to say goodbye

Joy turned to heartbreak after the battle of the Celts. Photo / Getty Images

Wales lined up its spot in the semi-finals last night, ending the dreams of Ireland's Blarney Army of fans.

The first semifinalists of the competition led from the start and eventually won 22-10.

It was the first time the teams had met in the knockout phase of the tournament and the first time since 1987 Wales has made the final four.

The first semifinal also showed the interest in the Rugby World Cup across the globe with celebrities taking to Twitter to cheer the teams on.

Actor Alec Baldwin came out for Ireland: "Give a shout out 2 Ireland Rugby! Playing Wales 2night!!! Come on Ireland!"

Baywatch legend David Hasselhoff, dating Welsh beauty Hayley Roberts, kept on the fence: "Wales or Ireland? ... I'll be watching from LA ... xx, Hmmmmm gonna be TOUGH."

Welsh supporter Reuben Cutts, with son Duke, watched at the Albany fan zone. Both father and son had strung leeks as necklaces - and Cutts had one pinned through his shirt.

The Whangaparaoa man said he didn't believe his team would make the semifinals when the tournament began but had changed his mind as it progressed.

"It's a fantastic game. I loved the result. I'd love to see a game against the All Blacks."

However, he said if it came to that contest - the All Blacks would win.

Irish supporters were dismayed at the result. "We played well but there was no way we could get through the Welsh defence," Eion Darby said. "They were unstoppable and we just couldn't break them down - we are gutted. That's the only word I can think of to describe it."

Welsh captain Sam Warburton said the team were proud to follow the 1987 Welsh team and make the semi-finals. "We worked so hard. The team in '87 did it and got to third place. We are thrilled - it is a massive achievement."

Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll said the team were disappointed to be going home.