Unconvincing Australia edge out Ireland

12.30am


AUSTRALIA 17 IRELAND 16


MELBOURNE - Champions Australia came through a stern World Cup examination to edge out Ireland 17-16 this morning and set up a quarter-final meeting with Scotland.

Ireland, always playing catch-up but who got to within a point after a second-half try and drop goal by centre Brian O'Driscoll, will face France after finishing as runners-up in group A.

Ireland's David Humphreys missed a drop goal by a couple of feet in the final five minutes.

Australia failed to dominate despite going ahead through a George Gregan drop goal after 10 minutes and adding a try soon after when winger Wendell Sailor was held up just short before the ball was swung left and flanker George Smith ran in unopposed.

First five-eighths Ronan O'Gara kept Ireland in contention with two penalties before O'Driscoll, his foot just inches clear of the touchline, dived in for his try.

Australia: Try: George Smith; Penalties: Elton Flatley (3); Drop goal: George Gregan

Ireland: Try: Brian O'Driscoll; Conversion: Ronan O'Gara Penalties: O'Gara (2); Drop goal: O'Driscoll

Halftime: 11-6


- REUTERS

Full World Cup coverage